F53 Brake Advice

427435 wrote:
..The 165 ft lb number is the recommended torque for the wheel lug nuts...

I would be careful there also. Ford tech's were snapping off the lug nuts at that rate. Tech in Florida told me they dropped it down to 120.

You hear a lot of talk on this forum about brake lines swelling, but in real life how often have you had that really happen or hear of others having that problem. Unless the brake lines are bulging or leaking why assume they are bad based on forum regurgitation.

I may be mistaking but one of those lines may run inside the frame rail making it almost impossible to change. Why go through that issue next based on fear gotten off the forum?

If I had to guess I would think your calipers are sticking do to age and lack of daily use. Your pads were old and the edges were chipping away. Your brake fluid was old, pins need greasing and one caliper was frozen scoring the rotor, but not destroying it.

What you're doing is great, but you have a rig that is 20 years old. I would not invest all of the budget just to get one system back to like new status. If you really do use the rig like you plan on, there will be many more opportunity's to spend money and effort keeping it running.

BTW, how is the rear passenger side exhaust manifold bolt doing. That is the other weak point next to the brakes on the old F53. Once you leave the F53 and look at the coach how is the rubber roof. They have a life of about 20 years. When was the last time it was sealed or coated now.

I know I'm being harsh, but I'm trying to help save you aggravation and money.