Best brake shoes out there

[Jelmer]

Because the Netherlands has some very stupid rules about towing capacity we are only allowed to tow 5000lb with our D250. If we want to tow 7716lb (maximum with mechanical brakes on the trailer) we needed to do a park brake test which was to see if the parking brake can brake 5200lb/ft on the brake test rollers. We only came to 4050ft/lb so it failed.

Now I want to see if I can uprgrade the rear brakes so that it will pass. I might have some oil in the drums because of the leaking seals so I will replace those first.
Next would be new brake shoes, wheel cilinder and cables.
What is the best brake shoes that you can buy? And i see 2,5" and 3" wide shoes, which so I need?

[matthewh]

For a cheap upgrade, you can swap over to 3" shoes, as long as you use new drums, or have your old ones resurfaced. Duallys came from the factory with 3" wide shoes, and its a popular upgrade for those that came stock with 2.5"
For material, buy the best you can afford, or get, since your overseas. The economy models tend to be harder, so they last longer, but brake performance suffers. I usually run a ceramic if I'm feeling spendy, or a good semi metallic otherwise.

[PToombs]

ceramics and heavy metallic work good, but they are hard on the drums too. In my experience they wear the drums as much or more than they wear themselves. I usually go for a middle grade shoe, IMO it's better all around.
I agree 3 inch shoes is a good upgrade, as was said just turn or replace the drums and you're good to go.

[Jelmer]

Thanks guys! We need the best shoes so we will probably go for the 3" ceramic ones and have the drums resurfaced. We order most of our stuff from Rockauto because their shippings rates but drums are heavy so shipping is a killer.

We only drive the truck for something like 2000 miles a year so it will last a while.

I know that this has nothing to do with the parking brake but I also read some where that you can use 1" Chevy one ton wheel cilinders for some more stopping power, is this also for us 1stGens? Rockauto lists various sizes wheel cilinders for the D250, which ones would be best (if the Chevy ones don't work for us)

[Jelmer]

Did a quick search at Rockauto but I coudn't fine ceramic or semi metallic ones. Do you guys have any leads?

[ellis93]

Most all rear shoes made these days are simi metallic. Look on the O'Reilly autoparts site at the brake best select line of shoes or the Wagner thermo quite line. Both are quality parts.

[Jelmer]

Thanks! Ordered the Wagner thermo quiet ones!

[jdiesel_us]

Yes you can use the one ton Chevy parts but some report grabby rear brakes after. They also will not have any effect on your parking brakes ability to hold on when using the hydraulics will they matter.