AirSpeed VW Community Forums

Technical => Brakes Forum => Topic started by: Mike Scott on April 25, 2005, 04:52:19 PM

Title: Wide Fives On Late Model
Post by: Mike Scott on April 25, 2005, 04:52:19 PM

I was wondering, can you bolt  bettle early model 58-64 or 65-66 drum brakes onto IRS rear ends? If so do you need everything... backing plates and all? What about the front end? Can early drums be bolted on to ball joint front ends?

Thanks Mike

Title: Wide Fives On Late Model
Post by: James Buchan on April 25, 2005, 05:01:25 PM

Fronts can have wide 5's as 66-67 came stock with them and they are ball joints.

Not 100% about the rear conversion though as I've never done it.

Title: Wide Fives On Late Model
Post by: Trevor P on April 25, 2005, 08:12:29 PM

You will need to use the later model wheel bearings in the front drums, but other than that they bolt right up.
The 66-67 rears will bolt up to an IRS. You will need to make a spacer on the inside and outside of the drums to clear the backing plate lips, and so the axle nut can tighten up against the drum snout due to the fact that the IRS axles are longer. IRS brake shoes and backing plates will work.

Title: Wide Fives On Late Model
Post by: Mike Scott on April 27, 2005, 08:31:56 AM

Thanks Trevor and James,

Next question, If on the rear I go with early backing plates, shoes and drums, can I get away with only using a spacer between the drum and axle nut?

Mike

Title: Wide Fives On Late Model
Post by: Trevor P on April 27, 2005, 11:24:17 AM

I never used the 66 backing plates so I can't say forsure, but I think you will still need some sort of spacer on there.