FS CJ3B complete set of brakes - pic heavy

[Ryan509]

These came with a set of MB axles, I was told they were CJ5's but after searching the web I believe they are CJ3B's. aside from the clean up needed these are in great shape and complete. brake plates & 9" drums, no hubs. $?
I can't find any for sale, what are these worth guys?

[Joe Gopan]

The 9" CJ-3B Brakes, CJ-5 Brakes, all the same-no diff. M-38A1 is the same also. These have what is known as floating anchors, and are more efficient than those on CJ-2A, CJ-3A, MB, and M-38.

[Ryan509]

oh I see, thanks for that. I had hoped these items more rare, I have a '43 to fund after all.
Thanks again, Ben Dover

[Joe Gopan]

I don't believe the fact that they are interchangeable makes them any less valuable. These drums are also OEM to the M-38 and M-100, but their backing plates do not. Good used drums that are within spec are not easy to come by. For those that want more efficient MB/GPW or M-38 braking, the floating anchor type is the way to go.

[Rus Curtis]

These have what is known as floating anchors, and are more efficient than those on CJ-2A, CJ-3A, MB, and M-38.

I don't recall ever seeing that term when referencing the non-adjustment anchor used on the models you listed. They are simpler as they are non-adjusting anchors. More efficient I feel is debatable (unless you limit this measurement to time spent on maintenance only) as the lower edge of shoe can't be adjusted out to be closer to the drum when the drum is turned and the diameter is larger - this effectively reduces the contact area between the drum and shoe. That's less efficient.

The floating type I'm familiar with replaces this fixed anchor with a self-adjusting mechanism seen on modern drum brakes.

[Joe Gopan]

How about this description?
MB/GPW have Bendix, two shoe, double anchor type wheel brakes, and the M-38A1, CJ-5 have the Non Servo, Floating Shoe Type. The Term "Floating Anchor" (loose term-pardon the pun ) was picked up in Wheeled Vehicle School and that is how many Army mechanics of my era described them when discussing M-38A1 Brakes or giving classes on same.
"Self Adjusting" was not applicable to MB, M-38, M-38A1, or the tactical wheeled vehicles that Army mechanic of the WWII-early 60's period worked on or Civilian Jeeps of 40's-50's vintage.

[Rus Curtis]

Floating shoes are absolutely accurate as this refers to the shoes ability to slide across the backing plate. I still don't see how a pinned anchor that doesn't move can be referred to as floating regardless of adopted shop jargon. I've been exposed to "shop jargon" and because the explanation of, "That's the way we've always done it." never set well with me - especially when it was technically wrong or not as per the published directives, I would challenge it.

[Joe Gopan]

And you do note that the anchor pins in MB/GPW are "fixed" while the shoes on CJ-3, CJ-5 and M-38A1, are free to float?

[artificer]

Joel has offered pertinent advice & Rus' comments are valid. The floating shoes are always concentric with the brake drum without the need for a major adjustment provided the shoe & drum are matched & the drum has not been skimmed & standard linings used.
This is the reason the floating shoe design was introduced.

It did not take long to improve on this system with fully floating shoes a few years later....the fully floating are self energising & considerably more effective.

That being said IF [& that is the operative word] the earlier Jeep fixed anchor is adjusted properly, which is not all that easy with the MAJOR ADJUSTMENT requirement, the brakes of both earlier systems will work similarly.

[Joe Gopan]

And the type of brakes being offered do stop better and stay in adjustment longer than the earlier type.