1961 rear drums interchange

[shawn537]

hoping someone can help me identify a rear brake drum for 61. i am redrilling my axles for a 5 on 5 lug setup.does anyone know of a 5 lug drum that will fit or should i just redrill my existing drum? and what about axle center where drum mounts. do i have to turn that down also. thanks

[SkinnyG]

I just read recently that the 73-87 2" drum fits, but you need to confirm that.

[luvbowties]

A 1971 pickup drum fits perfect--but you DO HAVE to TURN YOUR AXLE CENTER RIDGE smaller to fit the '71 and newer centers: I'd say this ridge-turning is rather critical**. Pickups, some vans, some suburbans, some motor homes, possibly some big GM cars w/the 5x5 bolt and circle. **Ensure any you consider use the 2" wide shoes. Some vans, esp., wear like 2.75" wide shoes which you need to avoid.

Some newer pickup drums may also fit. **Don't pay too much for used drums that may have to be turned--or that may be already turned beyond safe limits--until you check price of new ones. You may be surprised....RockAuto.com has good prices at times.
Sam

[shawn537]

Originally Posted by luvbowties

A 1971 pickup drum fits perfect--but you DO HAVE to TURN YOUR AXLE CENTER RIDGE smaller to fit the '71 and newer centers: I'd say this ridge-turning is rather critical**. Pickups, some vans, some suburbans, some motor homes, possibly some big GM cars w/the 5x5 bolt and circle. **Ensure any you consider use the 2" wide shoes. Some vans, esp., wear like 2.75" wide shoes which you need to avoid.

Some newer pickup drums may also fit. **Don't pay too much for used drums that may have to be turned--or that may be already turned beyond safe limits--until you check price of new ones. You may be surprised....RockAuto.com has good prices at times.
Sam

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[shawn537]

Thanks for the quick response. Ordered 2 drums from Rock auto today. I’ll wait until I get them before i have axles drilled. Thanks again
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[65chevysub]

I had my original axles redrillef back in 1996 by Moser Engineering to a 5 lug setup and then used 72 finned drums. Fit perfect over the axles