dual wheel cylinders

[jesusgatos]

So you're saying that dual wheel cylinders would be an improvement over the deuce's single wheel cylinder setup? OK. Now we just need to figure out whether these parts can in fact be swapped over. Also need to figure out the wheel cylinder bore sizes. Wonder if they're smaller, or maybe a different master cylinder would need to be used? Would be great if we could find an appropriately-sized dual circuit master cylinder.


.

 

[gringeltaube]

JG, I just don't see the real advantage in your case, since parts are not easily interchangeable... Maybe save some $$$ and convert to disk brakes, one day!?

Admitted, a (floating?) brake shoe pushed against the drum with even force to both ends will perform better causing less deformation to the drum (yes, they do deform during hard braking, thereby reducing friction!) and also the lining will wear more evenly and... last a little longer. I guess back then that must have been the main reason for the A1 to A2 mod/upgrade. But at the same time M35A3s still continue using the same "old fashioned" fixed pivot setup with only one cylinder per wheel; a stupid-simple design but sufficiently dimensioned for a (stock) Duece IMHO and very effective indeed!
That of course, if linings are OK, shoes correctly adjusted and drums still running perfectly true... (probably not after a hub flip...!)

On a side note: the only time I did a complete brake overhaul on one M105A2 I found both lower cylinders totally frozen so it was actually working like the earlier version! Linings were worn down to the rivets towards the upper ends - and still enough braking action!

G.

 

[cbvet]

A buddy & I used to work on his 1950 & 51 Power Wagons. They had 1 cylinder per shoe.
I don't know of any advantage, and more cylinders to leak.

 

[jesusgatos]

Well if parts are not interchangeable (or cannot be made to fit relatively easily), then OK. But if it's feasible, I'm interested. Mostly because any improvement in braking performance would be welcome, whether or not it's necessary is another question altogether. But my M109 weighed about 16,000ls stock, and I'm adding a LOT of weight with the motorhome conversion. Plus I'll be towing an M103 trailer that I'm building a custom enclosure for, and I'm guessing that will end up weighing about 3,500lbs (empty). My best guess is that I'll be somewhere in the low to mid 20K range when I'm all loaded-up and ready to travel.

 

[rosco]

The M211 had dual brake cylinders for each wheel end. It was about the same size as the M35/but different manufacture and basically the same type system/air over hydraulics. It would be interesting to compare the backing plates and drum size!

 

[jesusgatos]

It would be interesting to compare the backing plates and drum size!

Well gringeltaube's never steered me wrong, and he says the parts are not interchangeable. But I'll have to rip into mine to service the wheel bearings and brakes anyway. Will look into it whenever I get around to it.