Wider rear brakes????

[dennis112]

In need of a major brake job in the rear of my 65' V8. I currently have 1 3/4" wide, 10" brakes. I see that some cars used a 2" wide shoe instead.

Has anyone converted to 2" wide brakes from the smaller ones? What is involved? Is it a simple brake shoe/brake drum change or will it require a change of backing plates too????

I know that the Shelby 2 1/2"conversion needs different backing plates.

 

[Pbum5]

I think you will have to change the backing plates to go from 1 3/4" to a 2"

ever consider discs?

 

[grego37]

You need to find rear brakes from an early station wagon or ranchero, mainly just the backing plates.
I did it also, I used parts from a 70 Ranchero.
check out gt350clone.com theres a write up on that swap.

 

[dennis112]

You need to find rear brakes from an early station wagon or ranchero, mainly just the backing plates.
I did it also, I used parts from a 70 Ranchero.
check out gt350clone.com theres a write up on that swap.

I understand that the Shelby uses 2 1/2" brakes and needs new backing plates. That is not my original question.

My question was concerning moving from 1 3/4" brakes to 2" which should be a lot more common.

 

[dennis112]

I think you will have to change the backing plates to go from 1 3/4" to a 2"

ever consider discs?

Thanks for the reply. Not really wanting rear discs at this time.

Anyone else know about the 1 3/4" to 2" swap? Anyone done this?

 

[yeloxr7]

You will need to get backing plates for the 2" brakes. The wider the brakes, the more the outer part of the backing plate is offset toward the center of the car to accomodate the greater width of the brake shoes, kind of like backspacing on wheels.

 

[HistoricMustang]

In need of a major brake job in the rear of my 65' V8. I currently have 1 3/4" wide, 10" brakes. I see that some cars used a 2" wide shoe instead.

Has anyone converted to 2" wide brakes from the smaller ones? What is involved? Is it a simple brake shoe/brake drum change or will it require a change of backing plates too????

I know that the Shelby 2 1/2"conversion needs different backing plates.

Just order the kit from Currie. Very inexpensive and believe they are originally made for a '70 Mustang. This is what I run on mine but it has been years since they were ordered for Currie.

HistoricMustang
www.historicmustang.com/tech.html

H

 

[66P51GT]

Here is a pretty good article that uses backing plates from an 84 Lincoln town car to mout 2 1/2" rears. Everything else can be resused or purchased new. http://www.mustangsandmore.com/ubb/RearBrakesbySamGriffith.html

He did the entire job for ~$200.

I believe you can also use large finned drums off or HD trucks.