After putting it off longer than I should have, and hoping my drums are still in good/decent shape... I need some rear brakes for the Dakota... after autozone quoted me $63.99 for a set of shoes, I've been cussing dodge for not putting disks on the back like they should be in the first place. It has freakin' heated leather seats and a underpowered v8 but no disk brakes.... whatever.

I've noticed and read some issues in dealing with the back brakes on these trucks.... and autozone has two different sets of brakes, according to my build date of 09/04 I need the part# 853 rather than the #922.... I've also read where there are some issues in dealing with the return springs and the new shoes not having the proper holes? I bought the Dakota in 2010... not sure if the previous owner has ever replaced the brakes... and I myself have not taken the drum off to see for myself.

Could someone elaborate on the two different part numbers and the spring issue and if I do in fact need to make sure I get the #853 vs the#922? Or anything else I need to be aware of?

I'll probably be getting my breaks from amazon or rockauto so I want to make sure I get the right ones.
Thanks guys.

 

You should pull your drums and have a look at those brakes. Check the condition of the springs and hardware so you can order them the same time as the shoes if needed. Rock auto is your best bet for prices, and don't forget to check the sticky in the 3g general discussion section for coupon codes to save a few bucks. The 05 and very early 06 builds had a single upper return spring. A design change in builds from 10/05 on (which are 06 models) have 2 return springs. Wagner is the only brand listed as # 853 (single spring). I would think if you have the single spring, then the brand of shoe won't matter since the mounting hole will be there anyway. Whereas, with a 2 spring system, the 853 might not have the second hole that the 922 has.

 

Not sure if it applies to your V-8 4X4, but there is a TSB out concerning the brakes on the 8.25 inch axles from 05 to early 06. My 05 2X4 V-6 was plagued with pulsating brakes because there original design was defective. I am still P.O.ed at dodge for issuing a little known TSB rather than a recall on these brakes. My fix was simple- I used Monroe BX922 shoes which are designed for and include the revised springs. Cost was about $30. If you have this problem just ask for shoes for the 06 or newer truck. A Chilton's manual covering '06 and newer Dakotas will be helpful in installing the new brakes. One of the new springs is behind the shoe, so it's hard to see during the installation. The TSB Numbers are 05---2--6 and 05-004-005 Rev. A.
Again, I suspect your truck has the 8.75 rear end which isn't subject to this rear brake design fiasco.
Good luck!

 

I buy my brakes from autozone, lifetime wear warrant rocks. Pull a drum and take a picture (or better yet pull the shoes from one side) and take them in to make sure they are right