Looking for a solution (repair method and/or part source) for front and rear brake backing plates/dust covers for 1990 Dodge Dakota SE with 3.9 L engine. Rear drums are 10-in. Front are disks. Rear are most concerning as these serve as a point of mounting brake hardware. Currently some spots are rusted completely through backing plate. Thanks.

 

I think Dorman makes replacement backing plates, have you checked with your local parts store? As for the front.... they aren't absolutely required..... they are notorious for rusting away to nothing.... I just don't worry about them.

 

I did not see a dorman product for my year. Likewise no luck at local parts stores, the dealer, or ebay. have tried carparts.com,,,,they list the drum, but don't see how to search for backing plate. So, I'm leaning toward reinforcing the one I have and treating for rust.

 

If there is enough of it left, go for it.

 

Search this site. Someone one here solved this problem by using the backing plate from a larger sized dodge brake drum.

 

Really late reply but I was probably that guy. It was now 6 years ago but the ones I bought on eBay were listed as "Mopar Dodge 10 Inch Drum Brake Backing Plates + Levers + Struts 8-3/4 Dana 60". I believe the description claimed they were off a 1980s or 1970s Ramcharger but I could well be mistaken.

I combined that with DURAGO BD8993 10" brake drums for a 1st gen Dakota with 10" brakes, and they fit my 8 1/4" axle perfectly with zero mods, bolted up as if it was meant to be there.

I live where **** rusts to nothing and I had tried to salvage my 9" backing plates but alas, wire brush and paint doesn't help very much when the shoe slide plates are paper thin as is. Limped along a few years like that before I gave in and fixed it properly.

Hope this helps someone in the future.

edit: found the thread I made with useful info: https://dodgeforum.com/forum/1st-gen...ng-plates.html