[mdwilf]

I've driven one that way for a few thousand miles & I'm doing it in the restoration I'm doing right now for a customer/friend. I was told that trick by someone who knows this era of trucks better than anyone I've ever met.

If you want to test my fix, measure the axles & see how far they are the same diameter - measuring from the end of the axle towards the "pumpkin ball" end. Then remove your old axles & measure the width of the axle bearings. Install the axle & then measure the gap from the bearing to the end of the axle & add the width of the bearing. If that total is less that the 1st measurement (distance that the axle is the same diameter) then you are good.

You might be able to cifer all this out by measuring the wear marks on your old axles.

Install your 2" wide brakes & put on the 2 3/4 drum. You will find it covers quite nicely.

I hope this all makes sense. It's late for an old man!!