Older Dana44 with 2" drums wanting 2 1/2

[Canonman67]

So at some point the rear end in my '70 to an earlier model that either has 1 3/4 or 2" drums. Is there a simple way to change to the standard 2 1/2" drums?

[cep62]

Ideally you should just be able to change backing plates and drums, BUT some earlier axles were shorter from the bearing mount to the face that the drum mounts.
Careful measuring is necessary.
I don't know if a 1/2 inch is worth the hassle.

If you don't have them, front disc are a marked improvement , and rear disc are fairly affordable.

[Canonman67]

Thanks for the info. It's more about being able to do a brake job without having to special order parts than the 1/". Not to mention the price is about 3x for the older parts. I did the front disc, and have been looking into the rears but there again I'm wondering if the things I've found will work on the older axle.