Need Help - Rear Brake Job

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Yoox_II

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I'm going to be replacing my rear brakes this week. Drums, shoes, hardware, and backing plates .I understand that I need to take the axles out to replace the backing plates. Is there any additional parts I should have ready? Do the axle seals get disturbed during the tear down? Any other special hardware that might be siezed and break? Will I lose much fluid when I remove the axles?

Thanks in advance
 

crazzywolfie

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all the fluid need to come out of the axle to pull the axle shafts. the seals might be ok to leave but if you are pulling it all apart it might be best to just replace them anyways while you got it all apart.
 

reek

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I realize performance wise, it doesn't make a big difference but would be nice if there were a straight forward rear disc swap. maintenance is so much easier.

Hey Yoox, a little off topic but I had a few questions about your hemi swap. did you need a new oil pan? and what transmission do you have behind your motor? or more efficiently, do you have a build thread you could link me to?
 
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Yoox_II

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I realize performance wise, it doesn't make a big difference but would be nice if there were a straight forward rear disc swap. maintenance is so much easier.

Hey Yoox, a little off topic but I had a few questions about your hemi swap. did you need a new oil pan? and what transmission do you have behind your motor? or more efficiently, do you have a build thread you could link me to?
I kept the stock 727 trans. It only required a different flexplate to mate it to the hemi. I had somewhat of a build thread when I did it about a year and a half ago. I can't locate it right now for some reason .
 
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Yoox_II

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Is there a how-to thread or article I can read on replacing the backing plates on a 8.25 rear end? I will be doing it myself and wouldn't mind a few pointers. I can't seem to find anything except for drum & shoe replacement (which doesn't require removal of the axles)
 

crazzywolfie

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It is a simple job. Takes/brakes off. Drain the rear diff. Push axles in. Remove c-clip and pull axles out. It is pretty easy.
 
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Yoox_II

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It is a simple job. Takes/brakes off. Drain the rear diff. Push axles in. Remove c-clip and pull axles out. It is pretty easy.
I'm aware of removing the diff cover to access the c clip. My concern is, is there a way to F it up? For example is there a chance the c clip won't index properly if I install it wrong during reassembly
 

crazzywolfie

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i really don't see how you could mess much up. pretty sure the c-clips can spin 360 on the axles. the spider gears keep them from falling off. that is why i said you got to push the axles in so you can even remove the c-clip.
 

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I'm aware of removing the diff cover to access the c clip. My concern is, is there a way to F it up? For example is there a chance the c clip won't index properly if I install it wrong during reassembly
I would add,,I suspect there is a lot of miles on this differential. I would replace the axle bearings. You won't install it wrong when you reassemble. There is no clocking involved. As said, simply push your like new axles back in and install the c clips. Damn,, every time I see your Ramcharger pics I wish I had my 86.
 
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Yoox_II

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Thank you for the assistance guys .I am currently assembling the shoes and hardware onto the plates on the bench tonight .I have them assembled but have one question. There is a metal "arm" that indexes into the horizontal retaining arm. I don't know where it attached on the bottom section of the arm. It's the piece I am pointing to in the picture. Any idea how it is retained on the lower half of it?

1527114351446305771211.jpg
 

crazzywolfie

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the bottom of that arm connects to the park brake. it connects to the top of the shoe only. it presses against the metal piece in the center and pushes the brakes out.
 
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Yoox_II

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Thanks crazy wolf. You always have the answers.

This is a pic of the backing plates I have. Ive mentioned before I have a 8.25 Chrysler rear end. These plates I have appear to have an extra bolt hole compared to the ones on my truck. It's the bolt hole directly under where the axle goes thru the plate. It has me worried these plates are for a different sized rear diff configuration. I see the four bolt holes that the axle bolts to, but what's the fifth hole directly below? Opinions? Want to confirm before I begin to tear down.

IMG_20180414_1537341.jpg
 
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Yoox_II

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I've unfortunately confirmed that I have 8.75 backing plates. Can anyone confirm or deny that they will be compatible with my 8.25 rear end/axles? Specifically concerned about the axle bolt pattern.
 

reek

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