I just recently bought a 89 Dakota Sport 2wd. Its the first truck I've ever had and I never thought I'd actually own one, but its been pretty handy and I really like driving it. I need some work done on it though and I cant seem to find the specific info. I need to replace the shoes and I'm unable to located whether they are 9" or 10".I figure 9" but I'm not certain. I'd just really like to have all the parts ready when I go to fix everything. Thanks.

And on a side note, really liked that faq at the top. Now I know how to fix my blower problem.

 

When i did mine i took one side off went to the parts store and matched it up. I left the other side on so I would know how to put it back together.

 

measure the drum, that'll tell you real easy

 

Sounds like me .

 

yea, that was my first drum brake job, so it was a little hard the first time, but brakestands do away with them pretty quick so i have done them a few times

 

Alright thanks guys. I guess I will find some time and take the tire off and check it out. I just was wondering if there was a standard part for each model so that I could just order it so i could do all the work I need to do all at once.

 

The brake shoe size for my truck is on a options sticker under the hood.
Along with other fun info like my axle ratio paint codes and the like...

 

Also, if you take off the rotor and look at the pads themselves, they will either have rivots or not. And if you go into Autozone and tell them you have either rivots or not they should know what you are talking about.

 

Another reason I like to take the old part to the store is to make sure I am getting the same thing. How many times I have given the model and year and when I get home the part is not the right one.

 

Very good point kahanabob. my friend has a 2002 Cummins and when he orders parts for it he orders parts for a 2001. They changed the body styles of the 1500's at the beginning if the 2002 model year but didnt change the 2500 and 3500's until halfway through. If he orders for a 2002, they send him crap for the new body style and it doesnt fit on his truck. MOST (not all) parts store employees are morons. I am a firm believer that the best parts salesman is a retired mechanic, because they know what you are talking about.