rear drum brakes

[MD Mopar]

I am thinking of upgrading the rear drum brakes on my 65 belvedere II to 11x 2 1/2" rear drums. Will this upgrade be possible without any modifications. ? Will it reduce the tire size in the wheel well opening. What would be the best brake shoe to use ? I already have disk brakes on the front with a manual setup. thanks

 

[Yatzee]

I am thinking of upgrading the rear drum brakes on my 65 belvedere II to 11x 2 1/2" rear drums. Will this upgrade be possible without any modifications. ? Will it reduce the tire size in the wheel well opening. What would be the best brake shoe to use ? I already have disk brakes on the front with a manual setup. thanks

I've often wondered where the extra 1/2 inch was taken up when going from 2 to 2 1/2 drums. I would think it was accounted for in the shape of the drum or the backing plates were set back further. I doubt that the axle's were longer but I suppose anything's possible. I'd be interested to hear from you if you pull it off and find out exactly where that extra 1/2 inch is taken up.

 

[Fran Blacker]

The backing plates determines the width of brake shoes. Why not go to backing plates for 3" shoes?
Front brakes do the most of the work, more to gain there.

 

[miller]

Also check for clearance at your rims. I had to go with 15" (64 cop wheels) on my 64, running a later rear axle, to clear the drums.

 

[Ranger16]

Considering how little braking the rears provide (compared to the fronts), would that extra 1/2" be worth the time, effort and cost? Would it even be noticeable?

 

[MD Mopar]

Considering how little braking the rears provide (compared to the fronts), would that extra 1/2" be worth the time, effort and cost? Would it even be noticeable?

I do have 15" wheels. Currently have 10" on the rear and want to upgrade. Dr. Diff seems to have what I need. Thanks