Re: [FWDLK] rear axles and parking brake conversion

[Lou <email4lou@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Bill K. wrote:
> I'm not sure what works in the 55-56 and 57-59 cars, if there is a 
> later model Mopar (or even Ford, blasphemy I know, but the wheel bolt 
> pattern is the same) that's a direct bolt-in, or if you have to move 
> the perches on the housing.  (I'm sure one can be found that's the 
> right width).

FYI - I put an '70 E body rear axle in my '59 Dodge a few years ago:   
it appears to be a SMIDGE narrower, but pulling on the leaf springs by 
hand lined up the perches.  I do not recall doing any modifications at 
all.  I stuck with the trans mounted parking brake but am experiencing 
some problems with it (I think the part where the cable mounts to the 
housing is messed up).

I was thinking about converting to using the rear drums for parking brake: 

QUESTION:  Can you get enough leverage with the handbrake to apply 
adequate pressure on the rear brake shoes to keep the car from rolling?  
I don't want to break that mechanism by pulling on it too hard - its not 
that sturdy.  I think less pressure is required with the centrally 
mounted drum.

Lou

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