[dracowizard]

I'm a lil uncertain about matching parts as i draw closer doing the chassis for my 65project GTO Clone. While my Tempest has a stock open diff,i'll be using a later year 10 bolt.It may be a 70 or lil later rear that is a posi and i'll be adding a set of 3:23 gears. I've been trying to get a grip on some parts thru conventional parts stores and most importantly a new set of drums and shoes. I see some stores show both a 2" and 2.5" set of shoes.Well,since my diff dosen't have and drums on it,i measured a set i took from a 66GTO and they measured 2.5". Well i came close to getting some drums and thought i'd buy the shoes at the same time. Well now i'm unsure of fit as i also believe i discovered my diff is prob about a 1/2" longer than whats on the 65 now. That itself will add a lil thinking when i try and decide on wheels and tires. Can anyone give me a few details or things to look for to help me do this setup with minimum redo or problems.Appreciate and input.Thanks

[The Champ]

The later rear end is about 1" wider overall - I have the same issue on my '64 as I have a 1970 12 bolt.

In my case, we transferred the brakes I had on the old rear end to the new one - but to be honest - I don't know if they are 2" or 2.5".

Even with the wider rear end, I can still run 255/60/15's on standard GM 15x7 steel rims (4.25" BS).

If you are buying new wheels - I'd go with the wider brakes and just buy rims with whatever BS you need to fit your tires of choice.

[dracowizard]

Thanks Champ.From looking at some items on PY,i believe the drums and most items are going to work as i want to use the 2.5 shoes.Knowing the rear is about a lil wider has got me paying attention to choices of wheels.While i originally chose to use some of my 15" Rally TWOs,i'm thinking of maybe using some 17" custom wheels as i really wish i had Rally Ones.Isn'tthe 4.25 the stock backspace on these early A Bodies?

[The Champ]

Most 15x7" factory rims are 4.25". Wont say all - because I'm sure there are exceptions.

My 255's on standard 15x7" black steelies:

[Tempest]

Hey Champ, those trim rings with the poverty caps looks really good. I don't think I have seen that combo before. I like it. Thanks for the pic

[The Champ]

A couple of years ago someone on the board asked if anyone had ever run poverty caps and trim rings - and asked for a pic if someone did.

I had some NOS trim rings that came out of my Dad's garage back in 1996 still in the plasic wrap and said, WTH...

Took one out, put it on, liked it, put on the other 3...

Posted that pic for the poster that asked the question.

[dracowizard]

Sure does look sweet and i love the 64.Thats always been my fav year as i've owned a couple of them and even though i have my 65 project,my goal is to use it to once again own another 64!

[Goatracer1]

You are missing the whole idea on the brakes. The width of the shoes is determined by the distance of the axle flange from the backing plate. It has nothing to do with the width of the rear end. If 2 different widths are offered there most likely 2 different backing plates offered.

[dracowizard]

Thats good to know Goatracer1. So with that info,i take it ineed to best determine the correct shoes for the particuliar rear i'll be using.Time to dig it out of it's hiding spot and see what measurements i can take as i believe it was without any shoes or hardware when i aquired it.These tips are very helpful and i appreciate everything you guys share.After having my 65 for so many years and trying to be patient for the building and completion of a garage for the sole purpose to do my 65.Time is very close for the work to begin.

[grandville455]

I am kinda having this same problem with my new 9" using my old GM drums the 9" is a 1/2 deeper to the axle than my old Gm 12 bolt buick rear so I have a gap at the back of the drum and backing plate, is it possible i could go to the 2 1/2 shoe that ford makes then instead of the 2 1/4 one that these came with? It would just have more contact area in the drum?