Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

I'm about to do a brake overhaul on my 1954 Packard Clipper Super two-door club sedan L-8, 327ci, 165hp. Would some experienced individual kindly advise me what size brake shoes to purchase? Are the front and rear the same size? What is the best brand?

Thanks again.

Not something you can buy at your local auto parts store.Kanter has them. Give them a call.

Lining dimensions for chassis 5411 (11 inch brakes):

Primary shoes:

Front 2-1/2 x 3/16 x 9-5/16
Rear 2 x 3/16 x 9-5/16

Secondary shoes:

Front 2-1/2 x 3/16 x 12
Rear 2 x 3/16 x 12

You might be able to find these shoes in Raybestos or Wagner as they interchange with some older trucks. I'd match them up carefully but some numbers you might try are Wagner 161 or Raybestos 228PG for the rears, and Raybestos 264PG for the front. But in the end, it might just be easier to just order the shoes from Kanter. And it's likely, unlike the original linings, that the primary and secondary linings will be the same material. For best results, after installation, don't forget to do the "major" adjustment of the eccentric pins and, if the drums are cut or have been previously, have the linings arc-ground to match the drum diameter.