Brake equalizer questions

[Oldrusty26]

What are the pros and cons of the brake equalizer set up offered by the vendors ? I’m considering trying a set but have zero experience with them, also , could they be used on the small brake drum set up if the rear shoes were lined ( or fabricated a set up similar to the 26/27 system )
Thanks in advance .

[CudaMan]

I use one to actuate my homemade pulley & cable setup that goes to my original AC brakes. Works well for me.

[speedytinc]

What are the pros and cons of the brake equalizer set up offered by the vendors ? I’m considering trying a set but have zero experience with them, also , could they be used on the small brake drum set up if the rear shoes were lined ( or fabricated a set up similar to the 26/27 system )
Thanks in advance .

RM brake equalizers are used in conjunction with a rod set up for Equalizing brake pull for each side. Think about the non equalized system of a model T parking brake. The rods need to be carefully/evenly adjusted so when activated you have even braking @ both wheels.
The original RM & other brands used a cable set up & equalized by pulling the center of the cable with a pulley. No additional equalizer needed.

Vendors offer an equalizer to convert large drum parking brakes to a service brake. The lining surface is close to equivalent to a RM outside brake lining set. Great way to save money & they work in both directions. You will have to assure no grease leaks onto the linings.

As far as converting lined small drum parking brakes to a service brake. Its doable, but you would want to sync your transmission brake so they work together. I have a small drum outside lined brake band (like an AC). The transmission brake is synced to it. They work excellently. I still have lined parking brakes as a separate system.
I would not convert a small drum parking brake to a service brake. You have no backup on an already marginal brake system.

[Allan]

I agree with John's last sentiment. In this case an equaliser is only a compromise for poorly adjusted emergency brake rods.

Allan from down under.

[namdc3]

A-C's rod version used an equalizer, which I think would be a good idea with rods. Even better would be to have the equalizer have limited travel such that if one side failed, the equalizer could only pivot so far and then still pull hard on the remaining rod. That would take a little detail work to tune in but doable. The cable over a pulley solves this problem, though.

Regarding the OP's questions, I agree with John's sentiment to not turn the parking brakes into service brakes. If you go with accessory brakes and an equalizer, think through pedal hookup (above vs below the pivot point) and how the equalizer affects push/pull.