5x4" Drum to Disc Brake conversion

[Dare Dart70]

Hi everyone, new to the group.

I was hoping to just replace the front and rear drum brakes with new drums and shoes but finding 10" drums is not easy, also none of the front drums have a wheel hub and don't want to try and reuse my current ones. I assume that could work but not the best idea.

Does anyone have any idea where one can buy new drums and shoes I need 10x2-1/4" (front) and 10x1-3/4"(Rear)?

The other thought I had was doing a disc brake conversion for all 4, but wanted to avoid this so I don't need to replace the wheels. Looking on line there are lots of options but I also have some front end issues I need to fix such as ball joints and tie rods. I don't want to make a dogs breakfast of this by trying to do both and finding out mid way the parts wont work together.

If anyone has any experience with this let me know.

I was looking at this kit for the front end parts
https://www.classicindustries.com/product/*ma77901.html

and this for the drum to disc conversion
https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/631930/10002/-1

Cheers!

 

[halifaxhops]

@mobileparts

 

[DartGTDan]

I used SSBC (installed about 20 years) on my '71 Dart GT. My car has the factory installed 741 case 3.55:1 sure-grip 8 3/4" rear end. The factory 14" X 5 1/2" Rallye wheels fit with no issues.

FYI Factory 14" X 5 1/2" steel wheels did NOT fit my car.

 

[StanfieldNC]

I'm actually going through a related issue right now.

My 69 Dart was converted to front manual disc by the previous owner. 5x4.5 pattern.

According to him , he didn't realize the lug pattern was not 5x4 until after he installed everything. So, he installed adapters to keep the 5x4 pattern wheels. I don’t love how it looks and after contacting the manufacturer of this disc conversion, it seems there are no 5x4 options. The adapter and disc conversion seems to push the wheels out an inch further.

My short term solution is to keep the current configuration. Long term, I'll consider changing the rear axles and converting to disc in the back as well. That'll put me at a 5x4.5 all the way around and I'll ultimately have to get new rims.

I know this doesn't help, but I can definitely relate to your concerns and hope you find a good solution.

 

[Dare Dart70]

Thanks, always a curve ball with an older car. Good luck.

 

[StanfieldNC]

Thanks.

The kit in mine is the MN5004 from Classic Industries by Classic Performance Products. It looks and like a good reasonably priced kit.

While there is no 5x4 rotor that fits this kit, to my knowledge. Replacement rotors in 5x4.5 are the same part as the '89 Chrysler Fifth Avenue.

 

[Dare Dart70]

Thanks I had a look at it, I think it would be best if I can not find drums to just swap both front and back. hopefully that will solve the wider wheel base and bolt hole pattern, but then its new wheels, but I do need a few new tires anyways so may as well just bite the bullet.

 

[StanfieldNC]

If you do that you can always sell the wheels. I have Crager SS with the rounded spoke. I know someone out there wants them.

 

[scatpackbee]

I used SSBC (installed about 20 years) on my '71 Dart GT. My car has the factory installed 741 case 3.55:1 sure-grip 8 3/4" rear end. The factory 14" X 5 1/2" Rallye wheels fit with no issues.

FYI Factory 14" X 5 1/2" steel wheels did NOT fit my car.

I bought the SSBC drum to disk conversion kit a while back, then saw your post about the calipers supplied in the SSBC kit did not fitting inside the 14” X 5.5” steel wheels, which I’m running, so I searched out and bought a factory 1965-1972 Kelsey Hayes disk brake setup to guarantee it would fit inside my factory steel rims.

I would love to figure out what part hits the rim and why, and also if the caliper can be clearanced to fit.

It must have to do with that spacer having to be added to the drum brake hub…

 

[str12-340]

The SSBC front drum to disc conversion uses the 10 inch Drum brake spindles so there is a lot less work installing. The Hubs are drilled for both 4 inch and 4.5 inch bolt pattern so the OP could use his current wheels and then change just the lugs if he goes to 4.5 in the future.

 

[missing linc]

Check out Doctor Diff for more options.

Before you put money into a rear disc brake conversion, you may want to consider upgrading the rear differential. It is most likely going to be a 7.25 inch unit if still original, which will not stand up to much more power than what the 318 made dead stock. ( ask me how I know). An 8.75 differential is available in the same 5x4 bolt circle, but is not typically cheap to buy. A later 8.25 rear axle is less costly, but not made in the small bolt pattern. Just my .02.

 

[4mulas]

Hi everyone, new to the group.

I was hoping to just replace the front and rear drum brakes with new drums and shoes but finding 10" drums is not easy, also none of the front drums have a wheel hub and don't want to try and reuse my current ones. I assume that could work but not the best idea.

Does anyone have any idea where one can buy new drums and shoes I need 10x2-1/4" (front) and 10x1-3/4"(Rear)?

The other thought I had was doing a disc brake conversion for all 4, but wanted to avoid this so I don't need to replace the wheels. Looking on line there are lots of options but I also have some front end issues I need to fix such as ball joints and tie rods. I don't want to make a dogs breakfast of this by trying to do both and finding out mid way the parts wont work together.

If anyone has any experience with this let me know.

I was looking at this kit for the front end parts
https://www.classicindustries.com/product/*ma77901.html

and this for the drum to disc conversion
https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/631930/10002/-1

Cheers!

Are you in Fernie BC? If so I have new front drums, hubs, backing plates etc complete with new shoes and all the hardware ready to go. This may be easier as you won’t have to deal with cutting the swaged drums to change the front. Rear drums are readily available too. Send me a pm with your email or phone or both if so and I’ll call. I’m in Calgary.

I may also consider selling my NEW factory Kelsey Hayes 4 piston caliper disc brake set that is current on the picture in my avatar. These are factory mopar small bolt pattern disc brakes that came in these cars new.


- Alternatively, Brand new drums front and rear along with shoes etc are also available through rock auto. Take your pick!

Front drums:

More Information for DYNAMIC FRICTION 36540006

More Information for FVP 12363007

More Information for RAYBESTOS 2932R

Rear Drums:

More Information for DYNAMIC FRICTION 36543007

Front shoes:

More Information for RAYBESTOS 332PG

More Information for BOSCH BS332R

More Information for CENTRIC 11103320

More Information for BOSCH BS332

Rear Shoes:

More Information for BOSCH BS331

More Information for CENTRIC 11103310

More Information for DYNAMIC FRICTION 1901033100

More Information for RAYBESTOS 331PG


When changing front drums you will need to cut the swedge (the drums are held to the hubs from the factory via a knurl as part of the stud) then you can re-use your factory drum hubs. There are specialty tools available for that. An alternative is to drill the backside of the stud and drill the studs out. One must be careful to not damage the hub when doing it this way though. All new studs would be required if doing it this method.

 

[66fs]

Why don't you want to use the existing drums? Why don't you just reuse the front hubs with new drums? All you have to do is use a hole saw to remove the swedge around the studs and replace the drums. Or find a pair of original front drums still within spec. Rock auto has both front and rear drums in stock. Or find a set of Kelsey-Hays original brakes and rebuild them. You know either will work with your rims.

 

[cudamark]

If you're set on keeping your existing wheels, your choices may be limited. What size are they? Stock factory wheels?

 

[DartGTDan]

I bought the SSBC drum to disk conversion kit a while back, then saw your post about the calipers supplied in the SSBC kit did not fitting inside the 14” X 5.5” steel wheels, which I’m running, so I searched out and bought a factory 1965-1972 Kelsey Hayes disk brake setup to guarantee it would fit inside my factory steel rims.

I would love to figure out what part hits the rim and why, and also if the caliper can be clearanced to fit.

It must have to do with that spacer having to be added to the drum brake hub…

From what I remember, the caliper was interfering with the steel wheel. I probably could have done some creative grinding, but opted to keep the factory Rallye wheels that were on the car when I bought it. I sold off the 4 14" X 5 1/2" steel wheels (to a FABO member) then purchased a pair of used WheelVintiques 15" X 7" Rallye wheels (from a FABO member).

 

[RGAZ]

I just did a Front Disc swap and Rear axle swap on my 73 Duster. All 4 wheels are now BBP and I used a set of 69 Road wheels 14x7" from a Roadrunner and it all fit perfectly (4.25" backspacing stock). If you get away from the SBP the wheel options open up substantially.

I used a 73-up stock disc set bought from a member here. (easy install)
I used a 70 Roadrunner 8-3/4 axle from FBBO and springs from ESPO. (welding and a bit more work required)

Here are some pics, send me a PM if you want to ask for any details. Tires are 205/70R14's all around.

RGAZ