The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Backing Plate

My left rear tire was locked up so I removed everything and found that a one time or another my truck must have lost a tire while moving and the backing plate lost about two inches or more of metal causing an opening for water to get into the brake area then it rust and locks up. I started looking for a replacement and just found that they are riveted to the axle. anyway, my question is what is the best way to fix this problem? is it easier to replace the rear end with a used one or can this be un riveted and replaced?
Thanks in advance for your help

Ed

If you can find a replacement backing plate, just cut the rivets and bolt the new one on. You will have to pull the axle shaft to remove/replace it.

I've ssen a 2 peice backing plate hangin on the wall at a checkers auto store.dont know how good they arte but the axle don't have to come out.Tom

Hi Ed.

I’m for drilling the rivets and replacing the backing plate. While you have the axle shaft out might as well replace the oil seal and have a look at the bearing. Be sure to use bolts that fill the diameter of the hole that you drilled out when you bolt the replacement backing plate back on

I know which one you're taking about. Unfortunatly, they only make those for the '80s GM G body, F body, A body, and S-10 pickups/Blazers. Those all use the same backing plate, and have a corrosion issue, particularly around where the wheel cylinder mounts. I've installed them before, they're ok if you want to save time and labor. I'd use a 1 peice if I were to replace the ones in my Blazer, though.