7 1/4 To 8 3/4 drum brakes

The bolt pattern on the backing plate doesn't matter at all, the offset is the problem. BBP 7.25" backing plates only have 4 bolts, they work fine on BBP 8 3/4's if you drill the 5th hole and are identical otherwise.

The SBP 7.25 and 8 3/4 drums and hardware are the same, the backing plates ARE NOT. The offset on the axle flange is different between the two axles, and therefore the offset on the backing plates is different. The only backing plates that can be used on SBP 8 3/4 axles are SBP 8 3/4 backing plates. Same for SBP 7.25 axles, they can only use backing plates from a SBP 7.25.
Hi 72bluNblu,
I bought a 8 3/4 rear with the smp axles. Also, it can with matching backing plates. I have a 7 1/4 rear now with 10 inch drums that have 1.75 inch wide shoes, sbp.
Is it safe to say I just need to use the backing plate that came with the rear, and then my 10 inch drums, shoes and hardware will just bolt all up? But then if I wanted the 2.5 diameter shoes, its just a matter of buying new drums and shoes and they would bolt right in?
I see others talking about the drums that flare out but mine are not like that, and just flat looking.
Thanks!