The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot '60-'66 Trucks Putting 11 5/32 brakes on the back of my 1966 C-10

Good evening, Gentlemen,

This past weekend, I helped a friend of mine get his 1984 K-10 running. While working on it, I noticed the rear brakes were larger than I expected. After doing some research, I found that they were 11 5/32" dia drums, with 2 3/4" wide shoes. Granted, this truck had a 10-bolt rear, but the mounting of the backing plates looked an awful lot like that of the 12-bolt under my 1966 C-10. The wheels started turning in my head. There are many 1973-87 Chevrolet trucks in my local junkyard. So, if I could find a set of backing plates, I could source the rest of the parts new.

I already have the ½ drop spindle disc brake conversion for the front, with 1 ¼” thick 11” dia 6 lug rotors. I also have a new disc/drum proportioning valve and master cylinder.

So, here is my question. Will backing plates for a mid 80’s 10-bolt rear end bolt up to a mid 60’s 12-bolt rear end? To my knowledge, the backing plates for 11 5/32” brakes are deeper dish, and the face of the brake drum is in the same place as on 11” brakes. Also, would this be considered too much brake for the back of the truck? I don’t haul much, occasionally a small trailer with a garden tractor on it.

Thanks for your time,

Seth K. Pyle

It sounds like a lot of work and expense for minimal gain. Your disc brakes on the front provide over 60% of the braking. If the system works OK and you don't do any serious hauling it should be fine the way it is.
Fred

Thanks, rfs56trk, Unfortunately, I understand what you are talking about. I tend to get caught up in the mechanical side of "Can I do it?" and usually lose sight of "Should I do it?"

I drove my truck for a couple of years with manual 4 wheel drums, and they did surprisingly well. I have rebuilt the rears completely, and have the front disc upgrade for reliablility. There are far more idiots on the road now.

Thanks for your advice.

Seth K. Pyle

Check www.Americanclassics.com they have some rear disc conversion kits and proportioning valves that will be easier than working everything out yourself. By the By I need a power steering bracket and pulleys for a 250 6 cyclinder....anyone have a set off their old 250 ??