Hi Sweptliners!
I began redoing the brakes on my 63 D200 crew cab. Started with the rears. After taking off the drum, I noticed that there were parts inside for a parking brake. Knowing that the parking brake was originally (and still is, although I can't seem to adjust it worth a darn-but that is another story) on the tranny shaft, I knew that a p.o. must have replaced the rear axle somewhere along the way. So, I took the hub and drum to an auto parts store/machine shop for checking/identifying. The rear seal part number is 410825, which translates to a 59-68 1 ton axle. The only tag I see on the axle says 41-10 and below that 4 10. I don't know the manufacturer, but the parts guy said it was a 4.1 Spicer 60. As some of you might have surmised, I cannot find replacement drums. After checking the drums out, they are way past safe useability on surface left, and all of the studs are loose as well. I am not an expert on rear axles. Since I am probably not going to find drums anywhere, I need to change rear ends. Which is a shame, since there is nothing wrong with the existing axle.
Question: If I do need to replace the rear axle (anyone have 2 drums that are usable?), what should I look for to replace it with? What year/axle does everyone suggest I look for? I have a 318 with a 4 speed, 2 wheel drive, don't plan on towing much of anything, will haul things sometimes, but nothing that is terribly heavy. I do fine on the freeway with the 4.1 ratio, so it is ok to have that again. It is kind of cool to think I have this beefy rear already in case I do want to work Sherman again.
Thanks for your help!
Wayne in Vail, AZ
63 Dodge D200, 56 Dodge 4 door, among a couple of others.
