What’s The Difference Between Front and Rear Brake Drums?

[Hodence]

I have a ‘74 baywindow that’s been swapped from disc brake to drum brake in the front (idk why the previous owner did it, it drives me nuts) I wouldn’t be that bothered except they have different bolt patterns. My front wheels have to be the T2a size (5x205) and my rears are the t2b size (5x112).

Could I just use a pair of rear brake drums on the front to make the bolt pattern the same? I don’t know a ton about the brake setups on the bay windows, and I’d like to swap to all the same bolt pattern quickly and cheaply. My only other alternative is swapping the spindles and everything to disc again in the front and that’s quite pricey.

I know it’s probably a dumb question but I figured it was worth asking. If anyone knows of a way I can swap from a 68-70 front brake setup to a 73-79 setup for cheap, let me know! Thank you!

[SGKent]

most likely the beam was rusted out and he had access to an earlier beam. Bad move. It may cost something to restore it to original parts including lines, new master, new reservoirs, proportioning valve etc.

BUT if it were me, I would be closely looking at the VIN in all these places to be sure they match your title.

dash
Mcode Plate
Sticker on driver's door
stamped in vin on the left hand side of the engine shroud.
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[busdaddy]

Well that's original, is it severely lowered?

Rear drums won't fit the front, the middle of the hub is completely different, fronts have bearings, rears have splines for driveshafts.

Your best option would be to replace the spindles and convert back to disc brakes, depending on the type of beam it should just be a bolt on job. Lots of used spindles in the classifieds. https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/search.php...ton=Search
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[Hodence]

I’ve already checked the VIN, all good there. I think the bus was parted out and someone swapped their early spindles and brakes on. I’ll take a look at those used spindles and get some brakes and stuff. Thanks

[Hodence]

Also quick follow up question! I just need to swap out spindles and outward, right? Not any moving suspension or steering component, right? Just would be spindles, rotor, caliper, backing plate, misc hardware, and pressure regulator? I’m starting a shopping list.

[SGKent]

look at the beam to see if it has a brake booster on it. Also check to see if the proportioning valve is still there hooked up. Let us know and we can better answer the question.
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“Most people don’t know what they’re doing, and a lot of them are really good at it.” - George Carlin

[aeromech]

Post several pictures
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