The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop convert 6 to 5 lug front drum brakes

Hello Bolters,
I have heard that it is possible to use the stock 59 1/2 ton spindles and swap the hubs and drums with a 53-54 chevy car. What else is required for this swap? I have converted the front bearings from ball to the later style via Golden State Truck Parts Front Bearing Kit. Can I still use the bearings with a 53-54 car Hub? Do I need to get 53-54 backing plates and brake shoes/springs or can I just get by with the hubs and drums? Please let me know the best way to do this I really want to convert to 5 lug without having to go the disc brake thing. PS for the rear I will use a 72 chevelle 12 bolt.
Thanks, Bill

I did this on a '41 1/2-ton 30+ years ago.

What I remember was swapping the drums, hubs and backing plates.

I think I used the inner bearing from the truck hubs and the outer bearing from the car hubs.

Those old car brakes are going to be tough enough to find that I'd investigate using more recent brake stuff instead.

When I converted the front of my '55 1st to disk brakes I used '73 Chevelle disks. Outer bearing was the one that came with the disks and the inner bearing was provided by the vender I bought the kit from (along with a collar that made it fit the spindle). The spindle nuts from the Chevelle fit my spindles.

I'd bet you could use a similar approach to adapt drum brakes off a 60s GM car with drum brakes.