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11 Inch Drum Back Upgrade On Dana 44 With Tapered Axels Upgrade

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by Labeeman, Aug 28, 2019.

  1. Labeeman

    Labeeman Member

    Someone has some 11 inch drums for sale from their jeep and I'm wondering if they can be used on my Dana 44 with the tapered axels. I have a 63 CJ5. I tried the search feature, but came up empty. I am thinking I saw something on a post somewhere that said that when upgrading to 11 inch drums on the rear you have to do something different if you have a tapered axel vs. a flanged axel. Just want to check before I make the purchase.
     
    Labeeman, Aug 28, 2019
    #1
  2. Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

    I would hate to steer you wrong, but I have a D44 with 11" brakes on a tappered axle. I have since converted to a full float axle while maintaining the 11" brakes.
     
    Focker, Aug 28, 2019
    #2
    Tom_Hartz likes this.
  3. Warloch

    Warloch Did you say Flattie??? Staff Member

    You use the backing plates from other rigs that have flanged axles for the 11" upgrade on a tappered axle, so the same setup works on either.
     
    Warloch, Aug 28, 2019
    #3
    Focker likes this.
  4. Labeeman

    Labeeman Member

    What about the drums? Will I have to find a specific one to fit the tapered axel?
     
    Labeeman, Aug 28, 2019
    #4
  5. Vanguard

    Vanguard Take Off! Staff Member

    I don't recall axle differences, but I do recall issues with finned vs non-finned drums and wheels.
     
    Vanguard, Aug 28, 2019
    #5
  6. jpflat2a

    jpflat2a what's that noise?

    The Jeep flanged, offset rear axle does have a different bolt pattern, meaning you have to drill 1 or 2 holes in the backing plate.
    But that is only on this particular rear axle.
     
    jpflat2a, Aug 28, 2019
    #6
    Vanguard likes this.
  7. Jw60

    Jw60 That guy 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    The fins on the 11" drums are said to not clear the stock 15" wheels. The non finned drums have better clearance and will fit the stock 16" wheels for sure. The backing plates from a front Dana 30 will work on a 63 rear Dana 44 just fine since it is still the offset tapered axle. The bottom oil and grease hole will need drilled. The rear AMC axles are also a different pattern and looked like a different offset from the bolting flange to the shoes.
     
    Jw60, Aug 28, 2019
    #7
  8. timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Depends on what you call "stock." The '74-75 CJs had 15" factory wheels that fit over the finned drums. '72-73 did not have fins, and AFAIK those wheels are the same.
     
    timgr, Aug 28, 2019
    #8
  9. Vanguard

    Vanguard Take Off! Staff Member

    I had aftermarket steelies on my '64. The finned drums didn't fit. On the plus side, I think the new drums weren't too expensive. Except for the backing plate, I think all parts where from a '73 or '74 CJ.
     
    Vanguard, Aug 29, 2019
    #9
  10. timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    My '73 had the plain drums. If you pick parts for a '72 or '73, you can avoid the finned drums. If you want finned drums, pick 1975.
    1974 I'm not so sure of.
     
    timgr, Aug 29, 2019
    #10
  11. Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    No.
     
    Howard Eisenhauer, Aug 31, 2019
    #11
  12. nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    If you use a wagon/pickup tapered axle backing plate on a flanged axle you must enlarge the center hole for the bearing and seal to pass through for a flanged axle and drill two upper new holes. If using a flanged axle backing plate on a tapered axle all you need to do is drill two new upper holes.
     
    nickmil, Aug 31, 2019
    #12