14 bolt drums

[Stephen717]

Ok so like a dumb@$$ I sold my wrecked work truck which just so happened to have everything I needed to do a rear drum swap from my destroyed Eaton drums to the bigger 13" drums from the 97. So now I'm at loss as I don't know where to go to get drums hubs and backing plates cheap. If anyone could help me it'd be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Stephen

[Stephen717]

I'd honestly even be willing to buy a ff 14 bolt at this point just for the drum brakes off of it

[special-K]

That's where I would start. 14-bolts are not held as precious hard to find rears and you would get the whole brakes assembly. Hang on to the rest in case you have an issue in your differential with unavailable ring & pinion parts. You'll have everything you need in 14-bolt parts that swap. Basically, everything but the housing can be swapped to an HO52 housing.

[kwmech]

Personally I wouldn't even bother. I'd just install the complete 14 bolt. They can be had any from 2-500 dollars for a complete

[special-K]

There's something cool about seeing that ole HO52 up under a C/20 to an early GM Truck guy. They deserve better than the scrap pile. They are lighter and less bulky as well, while being just as strong as ever needed. Wise rock crawlers will donate a 14-bolt to an HO52 to gain the ultimate combination of the two. And just for now all Stephen needs are brake parts. Swapping backing plates out is a blood simple and quick way to solve his needs. Either way, the purchase is the same. Buy a complete 14-bolt.

[Stephen717]

Thank you special k for understanding my point of view on things. Everyone I know thinks I'm crazy for wanting to keep it but I think it looks better underneath the truck then the newer ones. I mean yeah they're hard to find parts for and the parts you do find are expensive but they're built to last a lifetime of taken care of properly. I might be able to get the axle back from the truck I gave away but if I can't get it back then I'm gonna have to find another one.

[Stephen717]

Ok so my next question would be if I have to buy everything separately will the hubs from my old Eaton brakes fit on the bigger corporate drums? Cause my hubs aren't in bad shape and if they'll work it'll save me $165 a piece (which is the cheapest I was able to find them)

[special-K]

I only know about swapping complete brakes, backing plate - out. With just new drums alone you are looking at more than what a complete used rear would cost. I would only be looking in that direction and inspect brakes before buying. I have had five or six trucks with 14-bolt rear and never had to replace a drum

[57taskforce]

Originally Posted by special-K

I only know about swapping complete brakes, backing plate - out. With just new drums alone you are looking at more than what a complete used rear would cost. I would only be looking in that direction and inspect brakes before buying. I have had five or six trucks with 14-bolt rear and never had to replace a drum

Yep my 98K2500 has 200,000+ on it on factory drums. They are stout.