Well, I posted a little while ago about drilling axle flanges, and decided to go with the idea. My next question to anybody that has ever done this, is if it is better to drill the brake drums as well, or can I swap the backing plates and drums from a 78 Cherokee Chief Q-trac rear end. I think the Chief has an AMC 20, not sure though. Or, does anybody know if I can just buy new drums for some 6 lug application that could fit the backing plate out of my rear Scout D44? questions, questions, questions

um... it's sort of a mutant hybrid thing... kinda

the chiefs never had the amc 20.. 80-86 wagoneer's did.. also could try some 1/2 ton chevys.. take your old one in.. and see how they match up.. i dont know off hand.. but if anything.. they might be larger..

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<font color=orange>survival is instinct, but living takes guts</font color=orange>

When I changed my axles from 6 lug to 5 lug, I faced the same problem with the brake drums. The options I had were to buy 2 new drums and send them to moser to get redrilled or find some that would fit. I found some drums for a late dodge that had the correct depth, shoe width and bolt pattern.

The way I went about it was to use the backing plates and brake shoes for the axle I swapped in. (a mid 70's dana 44 from a wagoneer) I measured the total depth of the brake drum and the position of the braking surface then went to autozone and looked in their brake book. They have listed the bolt pattern, brake diameter and width. I found some that were close and asked them to pull them from the shelf so I could compare the drums.

If you have the drums already and they are in really good shape, send them to moser to have them redrilled too. If they need to be replaced, find some that will work unmodified.