Doing my brakes from Afghanistan...??

[localsonly]

Well I guess I am not really going to do them from Afghanistan, but I want to order the parts so they will be waiting for me when I get back. Here is the scenario:

I am the proud new owner of a Ex-MOD 1973 Series III. I drove the truck a couple times before I had to leave for Afg. I KNOW it needs brakes, as I had to literally stand on them with all my might to get the thing stopped at stop-lights... I was planning on ordering the drums and shoes, but what else would you all go ahead and order/replace sight unseen? More details questions below.

Master Cylinder? I know it has one, but the manuls I downloaded show that it could be one of three configurations. think I should go ahead and replace it? start from scratch?

Adjuster Kit- do I need this??? I am a total newbie and will be pouring over manuals and this web-site as I do the breaks.

Cylinders- Would you replace them? Sooner or later I want to re-furbish the entire truck. I figure while I have some spare cash, I might as well replace as much as I can. Should I just order the rebuild kits?

Hoses- Again, sight unseen would you go ahead and replace these if you had the money? Being a total newbie, should I wait on these?

Pipes- Same question as hoses above.

What else do I need to order?

Basically I am trying to put together my shopping list so I can get to work right when I get back. I will have some time-off and I want to make the most of it getting my hands really greasy and giving "Carol" some TLC. If I were home it woul dbe simple enough to get the RN folks on the phone and talk through some of these questions. If any RN folks read this and want to "sell me", feel free to put together a prioritized shopping list.

Lastly, if anybody lives near Ft Walton Beach, Fla and wants to help out, I will buy all the beer and pizza you can eat, at least until the brakes are done.

Thanks for your help!
Rob

[LaneRover]

Rob

Welcome to Series ownership! I am in Jacksonville, which is a bit far to 'pop in' unfortunately.

Standing on the brakes to get them to work sounds a bit more like a problem with the booster. Do you know anything about the maintenance of the truck before your ownership?

If time truly is the big factor you could always order the parts that you think you will need and then return the rest. Yes it will cost you more in shipping but might save some headaches! Personally I would wait until you know you need drums to get the drums.

Do you have another vehicle to use when you get back?

If time isn't the biggest factor putting the truck up on jack stands and taking the wheels and drums off, which doesn't take too long (usually) will give you a good idea of what needs to be replaced brake wise, whether you need to order shoes, cylinders, flex lines and so on. Then get a list together and have the stuff shipped down. It will only cost you a couple days of time to do this.

During the days waiting for shipping you can check other stuff that is potentially available locally. ie oil levels, oil changes, lights, checking steering connections and giving the truck a once over. I would order a set or two of the copper crush washers that seal all the oil drain plugs and an oil filter. Doing this won't have you wasting any time

If you have a digital camera take pics of stuff as you take it apart. That will make a big difference when you go to put stuff back together.

[Ncrover725]

From the Ghan

Rob,
What part of the Ghan are you in? If you are rocking out in the Helmand you can pick up some stuff in support of your rebuild from the Brits. They have always been great with that stuff. I am hoping to be back over in a bit. I am currently in NC but will be moving down in your area shortly (Eglin area). I also recently purchased an ex MOD 109 and am working on the brakes this weekend. i will let you know what I learn.