Redrilling Brake drums for 4.5" bolt pattern
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One way to get the drums caught up with your axles is to use one of the axles as a pattern for the drums.
Ask the guy doing your axles not to install studs in one of the axles.
Then use a transfer punch to mark just one of the holes, center drill and drill for a size that will allow for a clean bolt to be installed lock it down without it shifting one way or another.
Next pick a hole about opposite to the first one, and transfer punch it, center drill, drill, and put a bolt there and snug it up.
When you have three done it's safe to transfer punch the last two at the same time and finish them off.
When you are done you may want to take a single pass thru those holes with a drill or reamer that closely resembles the factory holes that are present, these holes tend to have a bit more clearance than average.
Or,... If you can get an axle that has the pattern you need, and can manage to get it to jive with the center hole in your drums, use it.
A scrap axle is fine, cut it short, use it, and keep it as a drill fixture.
.
One way to get the drums caught up with your axles is to use one of the axles as a pattern for the drums.
Ask the guy doing your axles not to install studs in one of the axles.
Then use a transfer punch to mark just one of the holes, center drill and drill for a size that will allow for a clean bolt to be installed lock it down without it shifting one way or another.
Next pick a hole about opposite to the first one, and transfer punch it, center drill, drill, and put a bolt there and snug it up.
When you have three done it's safe to transfer punch the last two at the same time and finish them off.
When you are done you may want to take a single pass thru those holes with a drill or reamer that closely resembles the factory holes that are present, these holes tend to have a bit more clearance than average.
Or,... If you can get an axle that has the pattern you need, and can manage to get it to jive with the center hole in your drums, use it.
A scrap axle is fine, cut it short, use it, and keep it as a drill fixture.
Transfer Punches
When I went looking for a picture of transfer punches a photo of a brake drum came up in the search.
It was a Jeep forum here is his story.................
"Anyway, I tried to find a machine shop to drill my drums out for the new pattern, but most wanted $100 or more to drill them. I figured what the heck, I can do it. So I bought a set of transfer punches, borrowed my friends drill press, and boom, dual drilled brake drums".
http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f11/bolt-high-pinion-dana-44-a-747194/index4.html
If you have any questions let me know, I'm happy to help.
Double check that the set you are looking at has the size you need, some sets stop at 1/2"
Some searching may show you can order the one size you need, consider getting a set, not much cost, and it pays for it's self every time you use it.
"A Giant Time Saver"
******************************************************************
You know........... I am really holding back right now............
Not to say something.
So let me say this........
If you are going to elongate the existing holes,.... send the drums to me and I will do them for free.
If I can afford it I will even pay for the return shipping.
Please don't let some Jeep guy show up an A body guy.
.
It was a Jeep forum here is his story.................
"Anyway, I tried to find a machine shop to drill my drums out for the new pattern, but most wanted $100 or more to drill them. I figured what the heck, I can do it. So I bought a set of transfer punches, borrowed my friends drill press, and boom, dual drilled brake drums".
http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f11/bolt-high-pinion-dana-44-a-747194/index4.html
If you have any questions let me know, I'm happy to help.
Double check that the set you are looking at has the size you need, some sets stop at 1/2"
Some searching may show you can order the one size you need, consider getting a set, not much cost, and it pays for it's self every time you use it.
"A Giant Time Saver"
******************************************************************
You know........... I am really holding back right now............
Not to say something.
So let me say this........
If you are going to elongate the existing holes,.... send the drums to me and I will do them for free.
If I can afford it I will even pay for the return shipping.
Please don't let some Jeep guy show up an A body guy.
.
