Any idea where to find Rear Drum Backing Plates?

[ajminla]

Have an 89 GW. Left Rear Backing Plate is crack on my drum brakes.
Spent the last 24 hours trying to source and coming up zero.
Any other vehicles that shared the same Dana 44 6 Lug Drum Brakes?

I have reached out to my usual parts sources and scoured the net but aside from some rusty ones from 70s on Ebay haven't found.

Other question is what about replacing both rears with newer brake technology?
What might that cost roughly?

I've always kept everything stock.

[UnkleMunky]

Only had a couple minutes to do some quick searching, so not sure how helpful this will be.

Crown Auto and Dorman both appear to make *some* plates or plate kits *plate with all hardware installed*...but not sure if for SJs or not...this one sounded like it might be for ZJs:

https://www.amazon.com/Crown-Automot.../dp/B00I7ERHIE

And a dorman for something else I think:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000C5C772..._t1_B00I7ERHIE

Not sure if you can poke around and find the part number that might fit SJs, but here is what sounds like a proper part number:

https://www.moparpartsgiant.com/part...rear-drum.html

The part number I am seeing is:
PLATE, Backing
J8124522
Left

Unfortunately appears to be discontinued. And you may have already run across all this, but lots of times if you have the part number or something, you can poke around to maybe find somebody who has one...or maybe even a NOS on ebay or something. Or cross reference to an aftermarket alternative....

I am not familiar with a lot of the GM brakes from RWD or 4WD units from those years, but being AMC used a lot of GM parts in the brake area, maybe there is a possibility a GM truck (6 lug) from late 70s/early 80s may either work, or be close enough to work that you could make it do so. I could be completely wrong on that, but it could be an avenue to look into considering.

Hopefully someone else can give some better insight, but maybe there's something there to go on.

[ajminla]

Thanks for this detailed reply.


Most of the Available Crown and Dorman are for CJs not SJs.
if you look, they are 4 lug not 6.

The correct part number for my '89 Jeep GW is
J812 7778 Left
J812 7779 Right

There are definitely GM similars. I was asking if anyone knew which ones.
Again Thanks for your help!



Crown Auto and Dorman both appear to make *some* plates or plate kits *plate with all hardware installed*...but not sure if for SJs or not...this one sounded like it might be for ZJs:

https://www.amazon.com/Crown-Automot.../dp/B00I7ERHIE

And a dorman for something else I think:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000C5C772..._t1_B00I7ERHIE

Not sure if you can poke around and find the part number that might fit SJs, but here is what sounds like a proper part number:

https://www.moparpartsgiant.com/part...rear-drum.html

The part number I am seeing is:
PLATE, Backing
J8124522
Left

Unfortunately appears to be discontinued. And you may have already run across all this, but lots of times if you have the part number or something, you can poke around to maybe find somebody who has one...or maybe even a NOS on ebay or something. Or cross reference to an aftermarket alternative....

I am not familiar with a lot of the GM brakes from RWD or 4WD units from those years, but being AMC used a lot of GM parts in the brake area, maybe there is a possibility a GM truck (6 lug) from late 70s/early 80s may either work, or be close enough to work that you could make it do so. I could be completely wrong on that, but it could be an avenue to look into considering.

Hopefully someone else can give some better insight, but maybe there's something there to go on.[/quote]

[tgreese]

Quite certain this will be a junkyard item today. I believe these vehicles got Delco brakes, but other than comparing to period GM vehicles with similar brakes, I don't think there is any way to cross to something from GM. Lots of GM cars use the same shoes, but the drums are unique to these vehicles. I would look at the Jeep factory parts books at www.oljeep.com and see if those backing plates are unique to the GW Dana 44 rear axle (likely) and check the part numbers you got from your online source.

I suggest you contact FSJ Jeep junkyards, such as Montana Overland or Jake's (in NC). Unfortunately Jakes is winding down and does not ship anymore, but maybe something could be worked out if they have the part. There are also Jeep junkyards such as J&W in Antelope CA. Worth a call. I understand there are other Jeep-only junkyards around the nation, including ones in Colorado and Georgia which I don't have any other info about. There's Collins Bros in Texas that has some kind of a yard, but they focus on newer models and I doubt they would have this part.

Try car-part.com and search for a 1989 GW rear axle. I found lots of axles nationwide when I searched, and a yard with an axle is likely to have and may sell you a backing plate.

You should also post an ad in the WTB (want to buy) forum here and at FSJ network, as well as the big all-Jeep forums.

I'd think your local professional welder could fix a cracked backing plate.

[ajminla]

Tim-

Thanks so much. Thorough as always.
I sent out a few Saturday Inquiries to junkyards using the car-part.com. I also spoke to Ryan at BJ's who has front plates but not rear. He is checking into feasibility of remanufacturing. I had checked a few So. Cal jeep junkyards Friday but you are right to check on Axles. My mechanic rewelded the cracked plate but I want to get a replacement anyway.

Thanks again.

Adam

Originally Posted by tgreese

Quite certain this will be a junkyard item today. I believe these vehicles got Delco brakes, but other than comparing to period GM vehicles with similar brakes, I don't think there is any way to cross to something from GM. Lots of GM cars use the same shoes, but the drums are unique to these vehicles. I would look at the Jeep factory parts books at www.oljeep.com and see if those backing plates are unique to the GW Dana 44 rear axle (likely) and check the part numbers you got from your online source.

I suggest you contact FSJ Jeep junkyards, such as Montana Overland or Jake's (in NC). Unfortunately Jakes is winding down and does not ship anymore, but maybe something could be worked out if they have the part. There are also Jeep junkyards such as J&W in Antelope CA. Worth a call. I understand there are other Jeep-only junkyards around the nation, including ones in Colorado and Georgia which I don't have any other info about. There's Collins Bros in Texas that has some kind of a yard, but they focus on newer models and I doubt they would have this part.

Try car-part.com and search for a 1989 GW rear axle. I found lots of axles nationwide when I searched, and a yard with an axle is likely to have and may sell you a backing plate.

You should also post an ad in the WTB (want to buy) forum here and at FSJ network, as well as the big all-Jeep forums.

I'd think your local professional welder could fix a cracked backing plate.

[rang-a-stang]

http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/showthread.php?t=187449

Get it almost free, here...

[67GMC]

My 1987 Cherokee (XJ) had a Dana 44 rear axle. That part is:

83502386

I wonder if they are close enough. Lots of XJs out there with Dana 44s.

[bkilby]

I'd talk to Parts Mike to see if he can help.
www.partsmike.com

[babywag]

Don't know if he is still around but there was a guy in LA area who restored GWs.
Sherman was his name, had a bunch of parts and nice GWs.
Used to advertise on CL haven't seen an ad in quite a while though.

J&W in northern CA has parts but you'll pay a premium.

There is also Hard Rock 4x4 down south http://jeep911.com/

[ajminla]

Thanks Tony.

I ended up getting the part from jsinajeep (jerry) on the board.
Thanks as always.