Early Classic Enterprises 6 Inch Drop & 5 Lug Drum Brakes - Early Classic Enterprises'

With the installation of the 5-lug axles completed the differential was topped-off with Royal Purple SAE 75-90 synthetic gear oil. Notice the silver KYB lowered gas shock, and Early Classic's black 6-inch drop-coil mounted in place.

After the stock Panhard bar was removed, Steve test fit the new Early Classic Panhard bar and discovered he needed to spread apart the opening (mouth) of the stock Panhard bar mounting-bracket.

To help eliminate the possibility of squeaky bushings on the Early Classic Panhard bar's bushings Steve applied Energy Suspension Formula 5 Prelube, which is a versatile, waterproof, non-melting grease containing Teflon.

This is how the full-width Panhard bar from Early Classic appeared after it was installed. Notice the passenger side mount is a special bracket included in Early Classic's kit that attaches to the Early Classic trailing arm (See December '08 CCT for T-arm install) and doubles as a shock absorber lower mount.

Flashing back to removing and replacing the stock early C10 rear drum brakes with Early Classic's F44 big rear brake conversion we see Steve's first step of removing the four backing plate retaining bolts with an air impact wrench... Snap-on to be exact.

Notice the expanded prongs on this emergency bake cable? These need to be collapsed in order to swap the e-brake cable from the old to new backing plates.

As witnessed by this photo of Kevin and Steve wrestling with it, removing the e-brake cable from the backing plate can be a major struggle. The three of theorized there must be a special tool. Ultimately the two triumphed by collapsing each prong individually.

This is the late C10 roller type axle bearing that replaces the early C10 caged ball-bearing type axle bearing. The newer style 5-lug axle with a raised surface on the outboard side serves as the inner race. Steve pre-lubed the bearing with white lithium grease.

Steve and Kevin highly recommend applying The Right Stuff to the outer edge of the axle bearing to ensure gear doesn't leak into the brakes.

This is how the axle bearing and axle seal appeared after Steve installed them with a bearing and seal driver. Note the late model style C10 F44 backing plate is a direct bolt-on.

Steve assembled Early Classic's F44 big drum brake conversion by using the early C10 brakes as an example. Both early and late brakes use the same self-adjusting setup that is activated by engaging the emergency brake. Note if you don't use the e-brake the rear brakes will not stay adjusted.

The brake drums did not fit over the 5-lug axle flange the first try. Steve carefully hogged the center out until the drum slid snugly over the flange.

This is how the brake drum fitted to axle flange appeared after Steve was satisfied with the fit. He then cranked-out the brake adjustment until the shoes dragged slightly. Detectable by feel, and an audible scuffing sound.

When it comes to brakes, cleanliness is next to godliness (insert deity of choice here). Steve flushed the brake shoes and brake drums before they went together for the final time.

Like we said, our '66 looks like a real bad boy slammed down to a four-six drop, and with 5-lug big-brakes to boot!