[Kelly_H]

From what I've read, the 1956 big bearing 9" rear I have should have a 2.36" offset. I just went out into the shop to double check and... Came up with 2"?? What am I missing here? I measured from front of axle housing to front of wheel mounting surface.

 

[CJM68GT390]

I believe that the measurement is to the axle housing's flange. You have the backing plate and retainer plate in the way.

 

[Kelly_H]

Doh! I thought that the plate I was measuring to was the axle housing - thought that the drum backing plate bolted on from behind.

 

[CJM68GT390]

Doh! I thought that the plate I was measuring to was the axle housing - thought that the drum backing plate bolted on from behind.

Well, you are working with a 64 year old housing so no telling what could be forgotten or go wrong! See what happens when you're "forced" to stay home?

 

[green67]

I have the same rearend that I'm working to sort out brakes on, here's my measurement

 

[rusty1161]

Here’s a good video from Baer that shows how to do it, too.

Rusty

 

[dobrostang]

So now I'm curious, what does one do with this measurement?

 

[Kelly_H]

So now I'm curious, what does one do with this measurement?

One uses this measurement to make sure that they're buying the right brakes for their rear end

Green67 - thanks, confirms that the offset is 2.36"! I imagine that mine is the same as there's no way that the backing plate and the retainer can be 1/2" thick collectively... so it must be the 2.36" as well.

 

[green67]

Yeah. I’ve gone down some of the roads as you. I just got the rearend and planned to use the 11x2.5 drums. Then realized there are few available. I did find one source at $100 a drum. Then thought by the time rebuild these I should look at disc options. I found there are less options available in big bearing old style ends. I’m thinking of going to older galaxy drums wich I believe are bolt on and drums are cheaper.

 

[Kelly_H]

Yeah. I’ve gone down some of the roads as you. I just got the rearend and planned to use the 11x2.5 drums. Then realized there are few available. I did find one source at $100 a drum. Then thought by the time rebuild these I should look at disc options. I found there are less options available in big bearing old style ends. I’m thinking of going to older galaxy drums wich I believe are bolt on and drums are cheaper.

Ha! Mine came with 11x2" drums... even more oddball. They are hard to find and pricey indeed.

I just bought a set of Wilwood 11" rear discs for a big bearing Ford rear end off Amazon for $650 - I will post a thread when I install them! I hope that they will bolt up pretty quickly and, with a new MC, end my braking woes once and for all.

 

[LSG]

Kelly, I didn't realize you and Jane had braking issues. Are you planning anything fun, or just upgrading to end trouble and have nicer than before ? LSG