Ok I bought a Dana 44 (the ones they put in '92 Firehawks) and I'm going to be installing it tomorrow. I'm trying to get my 1988 9-bolt disc brakes to bolt up to the Dana 44 which uses 89-92 10-bolt style discs. To do this I'm going to have to swap the backing plates from my 9-bolt onto the Dana 44.

Now ...My friend gave me a brief how-to on doing this and I just need some confirmation:

He told me to undo the 4 bolts holding the axles in then use a slide hammer to give them a few wacks and the axles will pull right out. Then simply replace the backing plate with my 9-bolt one and slide the axle right back in. He said as long as I do one at a time and don't turn the other axle I'll be alright.

I've never did anything like this so I don't know how anything works. There isn't any seals or anything that I'm going to *need* to change or something of that sort? I kind of have a feeling its not that easy but I hope I'm wrong.....

Thanks,
Chris

 

Why on earth do you want to take off the excellent brakes that work, and put on the crappy ones that don't? Most of us are willing to spend good money to get rid of the old cast-iron garbage setup and get the PBRs that your 44 has.

Other than the mental malfunction of actually wanting to downgrade your new parts like that, the instructions are more or less correct, as long as the bolt pattern is the same.

 

I have no idea what kind of backing plates come on a Dana 44...I have never seen one.


BUT, whatever you do, DO NOT put those '88 year model disc brakes on there!! Those are the kind of calipers that freeze up because of the screw type e-brake mechanism. If it's only an issue with the backing plates, just get 10 bolt backing plates from GM and put them on there instead of the 9 bolt ones.

Also, contact AndyZ28 and check if the backing plates he sells will fit that Dana...his are drilled for both 9 and 10 bolt rears.

Ed

 

Well, its not that easy considering I'm poor AND my 9-bolt is living its final days so I'm going to work with what I have. I've been looking for those style brake parts for 3 weeks and I definately can't afford to buy them new. I just bought my current brakes about 2 months ago so I think it'd be more stupid for me NOT to use them.

 

What does all of that have to do with going to extra effort and expense to reduce the value of something you have? You are asking how to use your own time and money as the weapons with which to shoot yourself in the shorts.

Forget those cast-iron calipers. They are garbage. Kiss themn and their pads good-bye, and just put on the good ones. It would be beyond stupid to do what you're asking about doing, even if your entire cast-iron system was brand-new just out of the box.

 

the PBRs really ARE that much superior to the early style disks, if i were you i'd put PBRs on

 

I totally agree BUT my 9-bolt is as broke as my wallet and I need to get the new rear in. I can't have this car down for long ...Its not like I'm swapping my 4-wheel disc brakes for 4-wheel drums ...its just that I'm using a some-what less superior (YET STILL PERFECTLY FUNCTIONAL FOR ME IN THE PAST 3 YEARS) disc brake setup ...big deal, I have to work with what I have.

 

What's keeping you from just putting it in like it is? That's what I would do if I were you. Just leave stuff alone and put it in.

 

The Dana 44 that I bought didnt come with ANY brake components. I think you all misread what I was saying. Its not like I'm taking off the current brakes on the Dana 44 and replacing them with my "crappy" 9-bolt ones......

 

Just out of curiosity where did you get your dana 44? Does it have the bracket for the torque arm? I need to upgrade my rear and looking into the options out there. Preferably low buck.

 

The 9bolt backing plates will not fit the Dana44.

Next question?

Thanx,ANDYZ28

 

ANDYZ28: The backing plates do fit. I've measured them about 4 times.

94-6spd: This rear is the same one they put in 1992 Firehawks. GM (and SLP?) sold them for years as replacements. Its a direct bolt-in with all the brackets and such.

 

I just went downstairs and tryed to fit the early (pre'89) 9 bolt backing plates onto the Dana44 I have. They did not line up on the bolt holes. But the 10 bolt backing plate fit perfectly. It is possible that their are 2 different axle housings for the Dana44 rears.

Oh well I live and learn.

Thanx,ANDYZ28