Hi all, my first post here. I've got a 2004 Dakota SLT V8 4WD with 4 wheel disc brakes. The driver's side backing plate is rusted out to the point that the parking brake can't be installed properly. My search for a new one turns up only a factory part from Dodge P/N 52010241AC that goes for about $450!? Local salvage yard has nothing, they don't save them. Has anyone found an aftermarket part that will work? I can't find one for this truck. Glad the other one is ok and I touched it up so it would stay that way.

Right now I'm thinking buy a whole ear end from a salvage yard, pull the backing plates, and re-sell the rear end on craigslist if I can't repair the old one.

And since my first post and it is a question about brakes, I'll contribute something useful. Attached is pics of pliers that I bought and modified with a die grinder/cutoff wheel this past weekend. Installing the retaining springs for the parking shoes was frustrating enough that I gave up and ran to the hardware store looking for anything that might help. With these I can R&R the parking brake shoes in about 5 minutes. Wear safety glasses because if the spring flies out it goes straight for your face.