I finally installed my 9" rear from a 70 F-100 into my 55-F-100 after a total rebuild. I used all the brake components from my 55, including the backing plate, since I had only about 1500 mile on them. Everything seems to bolt up perfect, except for a small problem with the brake drum. My 55 drum does not meet the backing plate properly, leaving part of the brake shoe exposed between the backing plate and drum. Can I use brake drums for a 70 which had 2 1/4" width versus my 55 which has 1 3/4" width? This problem must be due to a different dimension between the rear housing flange and axle flange on each rearend. I did not get any backing plates or brake components with the 70 9" rear to try. Any thoughts
John

 

Did you check out the sticky thread at the top of this forum?It has a bunch of information in it.

 

I read all the information available on this site, but it still doesn't answer my question. I realize I would be able to use the orignal 70 backing plates and brake components if I had them, but I don't. I'm trying to use my 55 brake components with 5 on 5 1/2" since everything is nearly new.

 

My guess would be yes, thats what i would try first