I'm up against the wall and need some information and advice.Sorry about the lengthy post.

66 GMC 1/2 ton with a Dana 44 rear differential and leaf springs. No one has rear drums or park brake cables listed for this truck- everything is coil spring only. So I picked up all the shoes/drums/hardware for a Chevy with coils. Put one side together yesterday ( had to grind the park brake strut lever for clearance) , slid the brake drum on and it sits out about 1/2 inch too far from the backing plate- no good. The park brake cable for the coil spring rear end also mounts to the backing plate differently .Thought I could just get a backing plate from a truck with a Dana 44 and coil spring but I'm told the Dana was only used with leafs.I was also told the 66 GMC rear brakes were a one year only design ( with leafs).

Does anyone have a 66 or newer GMC or Chevy truck with a Dana 44 and coil springs or is what I was told true? Dana 44 is leafs only?

Would a backing plate from a GM type differential fit on a Dana 44?

After doing some research I found that a full size 74-83 Jeep Cherokee/Wagoneer brake drum has the same specs but is 3/10" deeper- I haven't actually looked at one to compare it but this is my next option, although I would still have to fabricate a bracket to mount the park brake cables.

I would prefer to change backing plates but I'm at a loss on this one. Has anyone run in to this or do I have the only leaf spring 66 GMC in the world?

Dave
66 GMC- father /son project with the "GMC KID"
36 Chevy PU- 4x4 lifetime project
64 Skylark- wife says its hers