Do you know anything about the rear brakes. Do I need a 53 axel or can we just change the backing plates out on that as well?
Swapping Bendix brakes onto your rear axle housing isn't going to work out so well due to different drum and backing plate offsets. Would involve cutting/grinding/welding or improvising some spacers to line things up. If you have access to a '53 rear, I would sooner swap that in if your rear drums are truly not serviceable.
