What size drum and shoes to install on a naked differential? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

WB72 · 05-03-2018, 10:41 AM

So the truck I bought that the PO said it needed back brakes, didnt mention that there is nothing but the backing plate and wheel cylinders behind the wheels.

I am trying to get the brakes all set up. I know there are 2 options for brake size.

Will it matter what size I go with if I stay consistant with the drums and shoes?

Is there a measurement I can take off of the rear end / backing plate / axle to determine what set was on before?

Is there a chance I could run something off of a newer (less expencive) model?

demian5 · 05-03-2018, 11:04 AM

Place a straight edge across the axle face and measure from that to the backing plate surface where the shoes ride to get a basic shoe width.
Then measure across the backing plate inside of where the drum rides.

That's what they will ask, diameter and width after the year make and model.

WB72 · 05-03-2018, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by demian5

Place a straight edge across the axle face and measure from that to the backing plate surface where the shoes ride to get a basic shoe width.
Then measure across the backing plate inside of where the drum rides.

That's what they will ask, diameter and width after the year make and model.

Great info, Ill do that. Thanks

**kwmech** · 05-03-2018, 04:32 PM

So what is this mysterious axle were talking about

**Warrens69GMC** · 05-03-2018, 04:40 PM

Go disc instead?

05-03-2018, 10:41 AM	#1
WB72 Before and After Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Leduc, Alberta CANADA Posts: 632	What size drum and shoes to install on a naked differential? So the truck I bought that the PO said it needed back brakes, didnt mention that there is nothing but the backing plate and wheel cylinders behind the wheels. I am trying to get the brakes all set up. I know there are 2 options for brake size. Will it matter what size I go with if I stay consistant with the drums and shoes? Is there a measurement I can take off of the rear end / backing plate / axle to determine what set was on before? Is there a chance I could run something off of a newer (less expencive) model? __________________ Not Grandpa's C-20 anymore... 383 Stroker 425HP, 485Ft/Lbs Lowered 3.5" Front / 5" Rear 66,000 miles. Alberta, CANADA

05-03-2018, 11:04 AM	#2
demian5 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Lake Forest, CA Posts: 2,177	Re: What size drum and shoes to install on a naked differential? Place a straight edge across the axle face and measure from that to the backing plate surface where the shoes ride to get a basic shoe width. Then measure across the backing plate inside of where the drum rides. That's what they will ask, diameter and width after the year make and model. __________________ "Work hard, use your vacation days." 1970 C15 GMC Long Bed 1986 C20 Scottsdale 1983 K2500 Sierra Classic Suburban 6.2 Instagram: C10sofOC

05-03-2018, 04:32 PM	#4
kwmech Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Colfax-California Posts: 8,628	Re: What size drum and shoes to install on a naked differential? So what is this mysterious axle were talking about

05-03-2018, 04:40 PM	#5
Warrens69GMC Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Safford,AZ Posts: 3,621	Re: What size drum and shoes to install on a naked differential? Go disc instead? __________________ 1969 307, t350 1950 Chevy Wagon 1978 Big 10 1967 C10, 250,3-OTT

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