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Thu Nov 19, 2009 6:15 pm

I went through the FAQ's and couldnt find anything about how to get 5 lug drums to fit properly on an IRS trailing arm. I getting a new bug soon and taking everything off my baja and putting it on the new bug and i espically want to keep my wheels.

Does any one know how to do this and what is needed to do this swap?
Thanks in advance.

i should also note that im on an extreme budget (just got laid off) and i have a working 67' with good brakes on the back. Im hopping that i can just shorten the drum spacer and the 67' drums will go right on.

Thu Nov 19, 2009 6:43 pm

Easy. Use early T3 brakes.

Thu Nov 19, 2009 6:50 pm

I believe all you need to do is order up a spacer kit for this conversion. IRS drums are longer on the splines, you need spacer to make up the difference to tighten lock nut???? Others know more. I have IRS to go into my rail soon, and I also am going to keep my wide fives!!

Thu Nov 19, 2009 7:06 pm

65BAJA
do i need just the drum off of an early T3?

Thu Nov 19, 2009 7:13 pm

All you need is a spacer to switch to a 5 lug.

Thu Nov 19, 2009 7:24 pm

Do i need to shorten the space i have? Or can i buy them from Chirco?

Thu Nov 19, 2009 7:30 pm

CIP1 sells a conversion drum.

Thu Nov 19, 2009 7:37 pm

Thanks Nuke. I saw those, but i dont have that kind of money right now.
Id also like to use a standard drum because if i break one while out in the field i would be able to salvage a used drum off a parts car

Thu Nov 19, 2009 7:41 pm

I'd also recommend early type 3 drums. Direct bolt on if you get the whole assembly including backing plates. Plus you get a bigger drum/pads for better stopping power.
I have them on mine 8)

Thu Nov 19, 2009 7:56 pm

cobhc619 wrote: I'd also recommend early type 3 drums. Direct bolt on if you get the whole assembly including backing plates. Plus you get a bigger drum/pads for better stopping power.
I have them on mine 8)

What he said.

The early T3 drum is the right size. It doesn't need a spacer if you are using it on an IRS car. MAJOR difference in stopping power!

Thu Nov 19, 2009 8:11 pm

i've just used the spacer that's on the swingaxle. i think. hard to remember, but its about 3/8" thick. I would then file the drums on the outside where the splines are(so you can slide the drum all the way to the backing plate. then use the spacer that i mentiond as a washer between the axle nut and the drum. it's kind a backyardish but it's worked for me for years. you have to use older style brakes and stuff, so they'll fit under the drum. It's been a long time since i've done this so i hope i'm remebering everything. you could just use the flat 4 to 5 lug adapter plates(if you have all the 4 lug drums and stuff. then drill out then press in and weld studs to mount the 5 lug wheel with. done that too.

Thu Nov 19, 2009 9:35 pm

I think you can also use THING drums to convert IRS to 5-lug.

~T

Thu Nov 19, 2009 9:57 pm

cobhc619 wrote: I'd also recommend early type 3 drums. Direct bolt on if you get the whole assembly including backing plates. Plus you get a bigger drum/pads for better stopping power.
I have them on mine 8)

+3

i got them on mine too!

Fri Nov 20, 2009 12:28 am

I just used a couple of big a$$ washers

Fri Nov 20, 2009 2:04 am

thesatelliteguy wrote: 65BAJA
do i need just the drum off of an early T3?

You need the complete drum, backingplate and internals as the Type3 brakes are bigger than typ1..

Fri Nov 20, 2009 11:30 am

Thanks peoples. i might go for bearkillers idea right now and save up for some type 3 brakes.

Fri Nov 20, 2009 6:34 pm

would the same tips work for a long spline swing axle car?
And are those washers even grade 8? if not thats what i would use. my local bug shop had the real spacers in stock so im guessing its a common swap

Fri Nov 20, 2009 7:37 pm

T3 brakes will bolt right up to long swing axles.

Fri Nov 20, 2009 9:31 pm

So would a set of T3 drums bolt up (with T3 brakes) to an IRS trailing arm if the "snout was trimmed for short axle"?

Im not uderstanding why the T1 drum wont fit also. Does it stick out too far, or does it go in too deep?

Fri Nov 20, 2009 10:03 pm

Bearkiller wrote: I just used a couple of big a$$ washers

The spacer idea is what i am using, (and have used) on multiple bajas/rails. It works fine and i am using it on my current car. In the field, I actually converted a car from 4 lug to 5 as the four lug drum broke, and all we had was a 5 lug drum and wheel, by using a load of generator shims for spacers!