"What are the differences between the TBird 55/56 front brake shoes and the TBird 57 brake shoes.  I see listing this way.  Size?  I don
t have any reference to see if the size of the 57 shoes are different.  I know 56's are 2 1/4 x 11

Paul"

I am sorry about confusing you but your original question was confusing.

FORD varied the size of the linings between the PASS CAR and BIRD to achieve proper brake bias using the same style foundation brakes on both cars to save money.

The lining sizes are described fully in the appropriate year SHOP MANUAL. I have one (57) but it is still packed away somewhere. The MPC does not give the sizes.

On the 55/56 cars, there were three lining sizes depending on car type. All were 11" but had different lining sizes on the same shoe. It sounds like what you have is either for a PASS CAR or WAGON.

If my scanner worked, I would post the 55/56 chart to show the sizing chart.

Sorry about that ...

____________________________

????? 

Pete - I appreciate your responding to my question, but I don't understand how they apply to my question





54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

Paul, 1 min on Google

https://www.ebay.com/itm/AC-Delco-Brake-Shoe-Sets-2-Wheel-Set-Front-or-Rear-New-LTD-Sedan-17263R/132141955970?epid=1669238359&hash=item1ec4463b82%3Ag%3Ad3EAAOSwE8Vb5Uf7&fits=Year%3A1956%7CModel%3AThunderbird%7CMake%3AFord

Pete

Seems to be a lot of different answers here  but I appreciate everyone's contribution.    Some say 2 1/4, some 2 1/2 on the 57. secondary.  I don't have  57 (ONLY A 56) shop manual so that is why I posed the question.  I have a set of brakes shoes for an early TBird and both primary and secondary shoes are 2 1/4 (primary linings a little shorter as usual) that I want to sell and don't want to misrepresent them.

As far as the different brake setup, Kultulz, my 56 has no such items and are just like any later Ford.  I have changed them twice so I know whats under the drum.  If I remember correctly, I bought the shoes from a Tbird parts supplier

Sandbird - this is different than what the shop manual says per RancheroJim but may be correct as CASCO's listing for drums show the 57 as different

I thought that my question was clear enough - what is the difference between 55/56 and 57 front brake shoes


54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

From the 1949 to 1959 Ford Parts Manual  front brake shoe and lining S/D, S/W   B6A  2001 - B
My magic decoder reads this as S = Tbird   W  = Station Wagon  D = Courier delivery    
2-AF 2018 -Y Primary
2-AF 2019 -U Secondary
You got a computer, get to work.  Pete

Paul,
From the '57 TBird Engineering and Specifications Manual from CTCI the front secondary lining is 11" x 2 1/2" and the

I'm only guessing but the 57 is probably heavier then the 55-56 hence the wider shoes?

Paul, OK look up front brakes 1955/56 Ford Station Wagon/Courier on any parts website. A word of caution about turning the Drums.
I don`t know just when the MAX OVERSIZE was part of the Drum but .030 is a good LIMIT or distortion/warping can occur
when brakes are used and drums get HOT.   Pete 

Paul, if this is not the issue can you explain IN A DIFFERENT way what the issue is?

Thanks Jim - I know it sounds funny, but maybe that's the difference.  The primary shoe on the 56 shows 1 3/4 (secondary 2 1/4).  Most sets today have the 2 1/4 for both primary and secondary based on the two sets that I have here





54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

Pete thanks - but the front's are the ones that show a difference.





54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ