Brake upgrade for 71 Suburban

[gerrygos]

Hey Guys,

Would like to know what parts, beside brake
shoes and drums, are needed to change from
a 2" x 11" to a 2 3/4" 11 5/32" rear brake unit.

Thanks in advance,
Gerry

[69gmcc10]

Gerry,

Welcome to the board!

The upgrade to 2.75" brakes involves the drums, shoes and the backing plates that mount to the axles. The larger brakes use recessed backing plates to move the drums over the axle more so that the track width is not changed on the rear end. I found the entire assembly (drums shoes and backing plates) at a junk yard for $40 each. If you go this route measure to make sure the drums can be turned so you can reuse them. The break lines will also need to be modified or replaced because the break cylinders on the 2’ and 2.75” are slightly different.

[69gmcc10]

oops, I mean $40 total