[Kevin in NJ]

Lots of opinion, but little data.

So Ford started with woven and switched to molded in 31.

The switch to molded did not happen when they went to cast.

You also leave out there are many different types of materials. Unless you know the materials you have no clue what where when and how.

So until you tell someone the exact type of brake material and the exact type of cast drums you have no real world comparisons. Keep in mind types of metal and types of lining have constantly changed over time. So the just the used nice original cast drums with 40's production Ford molded shoes is going to have a different braking effect then the guy using recently made cast and recently made molded linings.

FWIW, I have half a set of NOS Ford molded linings and they are not like modern molded linings.

In reality the number one problem with brakes is they are put together wrong. If the shoes do not match the diameter of the drums and they are not centered then you will have less then 100% braking.

So do not worry about mixing stuff. Worry about getting them rebuilt right. If you do not have the special tooling to do them right pay someone to make they up for you. It will be money well spent that will last a life time.