Brake hardware question

[trac209]

I've used the search function and can't seem to find an answer to this so I thought I would ask. I bought a 71' 5 lug rear to replace my 6 bolt in my 68. Problem is the diff was missing the brake hardware. Obviously the drums won't work so I bought new ones but I was wondering if anyone knows if the brake hardware itself is the same from 68 to 71. I just bought new hardware so I was hoping to reuse it. I'm getting conflicting info at best on the net and parts places.thankyou for any info

[demian5]

Originally Posted by trac209

I was wondering if anyone knows if the brake hardware itself is the same from 68 to 71.

Check part numbers between the two model years on a site like rock auto or classic industries.

[randy500]

Every piece inside the brakes including the backing plate is the same. Guaranteed end of issue, for that matter all 11 x2 brakes up to late 80's in trucks is also the same. Some wheel cylinders may have a different brake line thread or it may be angled or possibly different bore size but otherwise all is the same

[randy500]

I think later model 10 bolt truck backing plate may be different but the brakes on that are also the same.

[trac209]

Originally Posted by randy500

Every piece inside the brakes including the backing plate is the same. Guaranteed end of issue, for that matter all 11 x2 brakes up to late 80's in trucks is also the same. Some wheel cylinders may have a different brake line thread or it may be angled or possibly different bore size but otherwise all is the same

Thankyou very much for answering that,some parts places have different part numbers for the shoes and some same very frustrating lol.

[randy500]

Here is another tip...
I used to change 4wd 80's rear ends all the time. I would remove the axles on the old rear end, unclip the brake lines from the housing, remove the backing plates and hang them from the bed, change out the axle and never have to bleed the brakes or adjust the drums. You could do the same but will need to adjust the brakes to fit your new drums.

[trac209]

Originally Posted by randy500

Here is another tip...
I used to change 4wd 80's rear ends all the time. I would remove the axles on the old rear end, unclip the brake lines from the housing, remove the backing plates and hang them from the bed, change out the axle and never have to bleed the brakes or adjust the drums. You could do the same but will need to adjust the brakes to fit your new drums.

Thx that's not a bad idea

[randy500]

Originally Posted by trac209

Thx that's not a bad idea

I forgot to add that the 68 rear end is narrower than the 71-2 by 3/4 of an inch or so, maybe its a bit more so you would have to "finesse" the brake lines to do it that way but I'm sure it could be done. Also the later model brake lines are armored and I like them better...