So for anyone looking to replace their backing plates...
#1
So for anyone looking to replace their backing plates...
Had a whole damn DIY written up for this and somehow I got logged out when I went to post it. Lost it all. Can't write it again right now, but basically I used 10" backing plates (along with parking brake lever and cross-strut) from a 1978 Dodge (D100?) which bolted to my 8.25 axle perfectly. Then I got the hardware for a 1st gen Dakota with 10" brakes and everything went perfect. Zero Frankensteining here really, it's like it came that way.
Purchased from eBay. $140 shipped. Seller had painted them, absolutely zero rust because it was a Cali truck.
Purchased from eBay. $140 shipped. Seller had painted them, absolutely zero rust because it was a Cali truck.
#3
Yeah I had 9" brakes. This was actually a really easy swap! And the reason why I think it's useful is because old Mopar backing plates are actually easier to find on eBay because people need them for restorations. And few people restore Dakotas, so I think demand is too low to make it worthwhile to sell.
This is just my alternative to a disc swap...which I don't discourage anyone from doing. I just wanted to not have to mess with proportioning.
This is just my alternative to a disc swap...which I don't discourage anyone from doing. I just wanted to not have to mess with proportioning.
#4
#5
It's all really easy to do, the hardest part is reinstalling the differential cover which just requires a little finesse so as not to smear the new liquid gasket too much.
Nope, new drum is a parts store replacement for a 1st Gen Dakota with 10" brakes and a 6x4.5 bolt pattern. Everything, drums, hardware, shoes, is for that matter for a 1st Gen Dakota! And it all works perfect! Nice to have drum temps below 300 degrees...thing was smoking before! The parking brake definitely holds the truck easier than the old 9".
#6
#7
Too true. I'd already done mine before this about 12000 miles ago so that's why I didn't do them now. But it was a good opportunity to inspect them and I gotta say these timken seals and bearings are looking mint! Highly recommend the timken repair style bearing.
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#9
For future reference I have a 93 LE extended cab V6 5-speed 4wd.
Last edited by tbugden; 07-09-2017 at 05:39 PM.