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Finned vs Non Finned Brake Drums

adk-roadrunner

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Hey guys I'm in the process of getting my 8 3/4 rear ready to go into my 73 Roadrunner. I'm rebuilding the 10" rear drum brakes and the drums it came with were shot. I ordered drum's through advance auto and when they arrived they were finned with a larger outside diameter and the originals had no fins. I'm assuming there shouldn't be any issues as I'm using 17" wheels and there should be plenty of room. does anyone know of any other issue's other than the added weight.

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Other than the chances are 100% that they are chinese..... i would normally prefer the fins. They are intended as a heat sink. Theory is that they wont overheat under severe conditions.
 
You can overheat finned drums too...... but it takes a little longer
 
Other than the chances are 100% that they are chinese..... i would normally prefer the fins. They are intended as a heat sink. Theory is that they wont overheat under severe conditions.
My concern level over whether brake drums are Chinese is at about a zero if they work.
 
I've both versions from the factory. Not sure there's any difference. Might be concerned about Chinese parts though.
 
I've both versions from the factory. Not sure there's any difference. Might be concerned about Chinese parts though.
I just read a write up on a car talk web page and they are stating there are no longer any companies making brake drums and roots in the USA. It states that even the big domestic brake brands we know of are buying Chinese blanks now. I wouldn't really be surprised.
 
But see, that is the question, will they work? We are wondering if they are round, or will they need to be turned. And who does that anymore?
Thats true If I knew someone with a brake lathe I'd definitely try to clean up my originals. If I was still in high-school I could bring them in and cut them. Lol that machine has probably been gone a long time.
 
Thats true If I knew someone with a brake lathe I'd definitely try to clean up my originals. If I was still in high-school I could bring them in and cut them. Lol that machine has probably been gone a long time.
Agree. There are a few, very few, new cars that still have drums on the back, (at least there were, a few years ago).
Im betting they arent getting serviced anymore either. Im sure if they need work, they just get replaced.
When i scored a rear disc a while back, i didnt even bother trying to find someone who could turn it, just bought two new discs...... for about five times what it should have cost to turn them.
 
Yea, brake drums, brake drums... What I would like to see is pics of the 17 foot wheels on your car!!!

:xscuseless:
 
Thats true If I knew someone with a brake lathe I'd definitely try to clean up my originals. If I was still in high-school I could bring them in and cut them. Lol that machine has probably been gone a long time.
Hopefully some day will learn.
 
Looks like the only added weight on the finned drum are the balance weights. That's a crap casting if it needs that kind of weight.
The last drums I bought for the Dakota were Raybestos....made in China....needed turning out of the box.
O'Reilly's turns drums/rotors.

Oh yeah...finned is more gooder.
 
Finned & non-finned brake drums often need balance weights fitted.
 
Finned & non-finned brake drums often need balance weights fitted.
Look at the amount of weight on the finned drum in the OP. It's almost half the circumference. A tire with much less would be considered junk.
 
Doesn't matter how much balance weight, as long as the weights have balanced it, it is good to use.
 
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