Classic Mustang - Brake proportioning valve setup

My original proportioning valve developed a leak, so I replaced it with a new adjustable one. My first drive (in the rain, no less)was interesting as even a moderate brake application caused the rear drums to lock up, so clearly, the balance has to be adjusted. My question is, other then seat-of-the-pants, how do I know when the balance is correct? Is it when the rears just start to lock up on a "panic" stop, or should they lockup a bit sooner?

-Steve-

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Re: Brake proportioning valve setup I asked the same question tyo Cobra automotive when I purchased their master cylinder and proportioning valve. (Haven't put the valve in yet. Old one is still okay) I was told the valve should be adjusted to the fronts lock up "just ahead of the rears."	Flick01@... flick12003	Jun 19, 2009 1:07 pm
Re: Brake proportioning valve setup After I got the new proportioning valve installed, it was raining, so other then a test drive (in which the rears locked up way too early!)I couldn't adjust the valve. When the weather cleared, I counted the turns 'IN' which is max pressure to the rears, and out, least pressure to the rears. "In" was 3 turns and "out " was 9, so the pressure was heavily biased towards the rear brakes. From all the way "out", I turned it "in" 4 turns and found that the brakes to be almost perfect, good straight stops with no rear wheel lock-up. I won't try a panic stop until all the brakes wear in a bit, but they feel good in regular driving. -Steve-	steve1965gt	Jun 23, 2009 12:26 pm
Re: Brake proportioning valve setup One thing - if that was an original non-adjustable proportioning valve I believe they are rebuildable and worth some dollars. At least that is what I was told when mine was rebuilt. Bill Krieger	hipogt@... hipogt	Jun 19, 2009 1:23 pm
Re: Brake proportioning valve setup Are you talking about the original splitter block? does it have a built in proporting valve? I bought a new 77 Granada MC from Kragen's for $25 and was wondering whether or not to keep it for the rears and bypass it for the fronts? Thanks, Mike	mustngmke	Jun 19, 2009 7:06 pm
Re: Brake proportioning valve setup No - the proportioning valve for the 1965 - 66 front disc brakes. It's a non-adjustable cast iron one that I believe is difficult to find. At least it was when I was looking for one. Bill Krieger	hipogt@... hipogt	Jun 19, 2009 7:50 pm