I have granada front breaks that have always seemed adequate. Now as of recent I notice that it's just not enough. I have drums in the back and in the 1/8th mile it really takes some effort to come to a stop. I do have a little leak from the master cylider and I feel a little pull to the right when I break. I have serviced the rear breaks not too long ago, maybe 6-8 months ago. When I slam hard on the breaks the car noses down pretty hard.
so you think you have a...break... in your brakes. if so, take a break and fix the brakes before you break something else...
Leaking brakes eventually mean NO brakes! Fix the leak and re-evaluate. Drums are only good from about 80-40 mph anyway. You might also have excessive moisture in the brake system causing boiling on hard stops. Old drums that have been turned a few times don't absorb as much heat before opening up excessively too. ditto on the rotors. Leaking master cylinders usually leak internally too.
I run stock front front brakes. It works fine for me in my heavy car. Slows down after a run down the 1/4 mile strip here just fine and I've trapped 115mph. I stop fast enough to take the first turn off, theres a second turn off for the faster cars or maybe the cars with not so good brakes. Only difference is I have the 12' truck drums opn my 9". They may be helping but I still feel like most my brake is coming from the front and I haven't touched the rears in 12 years. I think you have some issuses with your system. Fix the leak first. then maybe look at a new master cylinder. Maybe upgrade to some slotted rotors and some braided hoses.
I'll take a look at them this week or next week and definitely need to get rid of that leaking master cylinder. I thought everyone is gonna tell me they went with aftermarket breaks but sounds like it might be just my leaky setup.
I only upgraded for a reduction in unsprung weight, not a performance issue. The OEM Maverick brakes are bigger than the Mustang(which is at least 500lbs heavier in a lot of years) all the way up to 1998. 75-up Maverick used 11" rotors, Mustang was 10-10.5" up to 2003 and up to 1993, used 9" drums. Excl the Cobra's, Mach 1's, etc of course
I agree w/ the others. Get a new mc, first. Any, leaks in the sys reduces braking efficiency - not to mention, "dangerous for you and those around you". I wud also replace hoses, wheel cylinders, shoes, pads and calipers if you have not already done so.
Like everyone else said, make sure the basic system is working properly first. I bought Porterfield pads but don't have them installed on my project. They were about $70 and everyone I've talked to said they stop better than any other brand. They also make rear shoes but they cost a little more.
