• When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.

What Size Brakes Do I Have?

RR Fan Dan

If it ain’t broke, fix it till it is.
FBBO Gold Member
Local time
12:43 PM
Joined
Aug 18, 2024
Messages
4,179
Reaction score
8,217
Location
Virginia Chesapeake Bay
I’m trying to buy brake parts but my car is not here to measure. 74RR rear drum size. Stock. 10” or 11”?
 
Ask Carnac the magnificent
1763990903213.png
 
I’m trying to buy brake parts but my car is not here to measure. 74RR rear drum size. Stock. 10” or 11”?


Standard rear drum brake diameter on a 1974 Road Runner originally equipped with a 318 engine was 10"x2.5". 11"x2.5" rear drum diameter was optional. B28 on the production broadcast denotes rear 11"x2.5" drum brakes.

From the 1974 Salesman Guide: (S = standard, E = optional)
Screenshot 2025-11-24 8.37.24 AM.png

Screenshot 2025-11-24 8.36.57 AM.png
 
The “ general “ rule is :
Small Block is 10 “ x 2 1/2 “
Big Block is 11 “ x 2 1/2 “
However ,
It could have been upgraded from 10 “ to 11 “ in the car’s prior history….
And with MOPAR , “ Never Say Never “…

Bottom Line is : Measure and be 100 % correct / Perfect ….

And , if you want QUALITY parts , P.M. me , as per forum rules….
Or , you can go to a parts store or internet for Chineseum garbage and regret it…..
 
So, if they turn out to be 10” can I convert to 11” and still retain stock 14” rims? What do I need to replace? Drums backing plates and all the internal stuff? I can find drums but not backing plates yet.
 
So, if they turn out to be 10” can I convert to 11” and still retain stock 14” rims? What do I need to replace? Drums backing plates and all the internal stuff? I can find drums but not backing plates yet.
11" rear drum brakes work with stock 1974 14" wheels.

I prepared the following table to list part differences.

Brake component differences between 10”x2.5” and 11”x2.5” rear drum brakes, 1969 - 1989.

Part10” x 2.5” vs 11” x 2.5”
DrumDifferent
Support (backing plate)Different
ShoesDifferent
Return springs, upperDifferent
Plate (upper washer)Different
Shoe retaining springsSame
Shoe retaining pinDifferent
Shoe spring retainersSame
Adjuster/return spring, lowerDifferent
AdjusterSame
Self adjuster cableDifferent
Self adjuster cable guideSame
Self adjuster cable leverSame
Self adjuster cable lever pinSame
Wheel cylinderSame
Wheel cylinder rodsSame
Wheel cylinder boltsSame
Wheel cylinder support sealSame
Park brake strutDifferent
Strut anti rattle springSame
Park brake leverDifferent
Park brake lever lockSame
Lever lock spring washerSame
Park brake cableSame

NOTES:

  • 1962 - 1969 is similar with consideration for other differences due to manual adjusters or earlier self adjusters.
  • 10”x2.5” comparison to 11”x2” or 11”x3” is similar with consideration for width differences such retaining pins, and early shoes (11”x3”) spring attachment differences.
  • 1975 and later brakes use a different park brake lever to shoe attachment which interchanges with mating parts.
  • 1973 and later 7-¼” rear axle 10”x2.5” brakes require additional swap considerations.


 
And, are you having brake issues? Having a hard time stopping?
 
Back
Top