hey all. I've lurked for a bit, but I finally found a reason to post.

I've got a 69 Dart Custom with /6 ('course). Recently I had the front wheels off to look at my rust-eaten frame, which is a whole nother story.

While I'm under there, I decide to yank the drums and look at the shoes. I found a surprise.

On the passenger side, the drum installs onto the wheel studs, and slides on and off the hub like the wheel does.

On the driver side, the drum IS the hub, or, the drum/hub is attached to the steering knuckle/spindle. Then the wheel studs are pressed into the drum, then the wheel basically bolts to the drum.

WTF? obviously it didn't come from the factory like this-ihope-but somebody decided to completely change one side of the car, then said eff it for the other.

What did they do? which side is the original style of brake drum?

I'd like to convert both sides to the slide-off style that's on the passenger side. Did somebody change a spindle on one side for one from another year?

Thanks for any advice in advance. My net access is from a house I don't live in, so apologies if I seem to be not paying attention to any replies.

*p.s. I'm trying to get ahold of a previous owner who I suspect of this jimmyrig handiwork. He may clue me in. Otherwise, I'm stumped*

hi,the hub/drum assy side is originally the way it left factory. if you needed to change a drum that was damaged or worn, you removed the "swedging" or peening of the stud splines that retained and held the 2 together with a die grinder or dremel tool. mopar/miller tools offered a tool that dropped down the stud and only cut the swedging. made drum/hub separation a snap. most people/garages never swedged or peened new drum onto hub with new studs,so your other side slides off. without having to deal with the bearings and preload, it makes checking the brakes a breeze. do the other side if you want to. most of my cars have "free drums" and they work perfect. ron

Hmm.. I bet you're right, and that makes a lot more sense than what I was suspecting.

Sadly, the frame just let go, and it's at a shop for some welding. On the upside, when he heard my dodge was kaput (For now! Ha!), my stepdad up and gave me his 97 Nissan truck.

It's the perfect size for parts hauling.

Tanks for the advice. I shall return.

wow! I couldnt wait for an opportunity to trade my Mopar for a new Nissan truck! I hope it has airbags.