Axels only or whole rear end swap?

[Clyde65]

I think there are two sizes of brake drums, Please correct me if I am wrong.

I put 71/72 drums on mine when I had the Axles converted to 5 lug. Also, the brake check needs to be turned also ( axle center part, I think it should be 3.0866" or 78.3mm)

[McCoyAZ]

Originally Posted by Clyde65

I think there are two sizes of brake drums, Please correct me if I am wrong.

I put 71/72 drums on mine when I had the Axles converted to 5 lug. Also, the brake check needs to be turned also ( axle center part, I think it should be 3.0866" or 78.3mm)

I think there are 2 sizes 2 inch and 2 1/2 inch....but I reserve the right to be wrong. Standard 1/2 ton truck is the smaller of the two I believe.

[Captainfab]

The same 11" x 2", 5 x 5 drums were used from '71 up thru the mid 70's. The 11" x 2.75" drums and brakes were an upgrade option. You would have to change the backing plates also to upgrade the brakes.

Yes you do also have to have the hub register turned down when you change the axles from 6 x 5.5" wheel stud pattern to the 5 x 5". The 6 x 5.5 hub register is aprox 3.5" and the 5 x 5 hub register is aprox 3.062".

Originally Posted by McCoyAZ

One last question if I may:

Assuming I do keep the axels I have and convert them to 5 lug.

The brake drum of choice should be which one? I most likely will just buy new ones to avoid having them turned, Just need to know which year truck drum is the best choice for the stock axel?

Originally Posted by Clyde65

I think there are two sizes of brake drums, Please correct me if I am wrong.

I put 71/72 drums on mine when I had the Axles converted to 5 lug. Also, the brake check needs to be turned also ( axle center part, I think it should be 3.0866" or 78.3mm)