The date code on my truck is 08/04. Rear brake shoes are scarce. The big box autoparts stores dont stock them but can get them in a day or so for usually $25-$30 more than the shoes for trucks made after 10/05, which is also the same amount more than a good set of front pads. Wtf? I've never owned a vehicle where brake shoes are more expensive than the pads. Anyone know what the exact difference is between the rear brakes on trucks made before and after 10/15/05?

 

Nothin as far as i know. My neighbor who is a tech ( very smart amd has common sense) for the local dodge dealer says you will be fine. they order the 05+ pads for any thing 03-05 because they are cheaper. But then charge them 03-05 prices lol

 

I thought there was a difference with the springs in the rear brakes. One had an extra spring, I believe. There was some difference though.

 

thats what I'm reading....they added extra return springs after 10/15/05...question is will shoes spec'd for after that date work for trucks before that date..i.e..did they just drill extra holes in the shoe backing plates to accommodate another spring or are there actual differences in the sizes?

 

so if i got the 05+ rear shoes I will be ok?. Just replaced the front pads and outer tie rods tonight...wanted to do the rear shoes too...

 

you could go to two auto parts stores and buy each, compare and take back the one you don't keep as long as you didn't install it. thank walmart for that trend. or return them all and order online

 

good idea....only both places i went (autozone and advance auto) have to "special" order them....no returns on special orders...so i'm stuck if they dont work....fml

 

damn. stupid drums. if it were me, i'd take the risk and get the 06 shoes and hope for the best lol. worst case, they dont work. i'm out shipping and restocking fee.. plus the extra price of the 05s. but i'm a gambler.

 

If the shoes are the same, I'd buy them for the 05+ and then since the springs, plugs, etc., come as a bag of "small parts" & are sold separately, I'd buy the bag for the earlier models - then you get the cheaper shoes and the stronger springs.

If someone has the earlier & later shoes, it would be interesting to see a picture of each - some measurements would also be good.

 

Check out this thread, post #6 has some info.

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/3rd-gen...ar-breaks.html