Will drum brake backing plates on an 84 rear axle interchange with disc brake backing plates on an 87 rear axle? Here's the story...

The rear brakes and aluminum drums on my 84 Z are in great shape but the rear axle needs a rebuild. I have an 87 disc brake rear with a good posi but old cast iron calipers that don't look worth the effort to rebuild or replace. It kind of goes against common logic but I'd like to swap my drums onto the disc rear. This will give me decent brakes at no additional cost without having to concern myself with the proportioning valve, brake lines, e brake etc. (Future plans do include a 4 wheel brake upgrade but right now I have other priorities.)

Thanks for the help.

Mike

 

No. You can mod the axle flanges to go from drum to disc, but not the other way around. Should you ever wish to go PRB's on the rear of the disc brake rear, check the following link:

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/faq-...iscs-89-a.html

JamesC

 

In this case, rebuild the iron calipers with the recall kit and you'll be all set.

Ed

 

Thanks James and Ed, I appreciate the quick expert response. I actually have the caliper rebuild kit and will now go that route since the backing plates don't interchange.

Mike