any OLD MOPAR GURUs here?? need drivetrain & brake help

[TooMany2count]

i'm getting a 50 dodge car but want to get rid of those funky ass brakes they have (kinda like HUCK brakes), i'm going to change the rearend so thats not a problem, but the fronts will be... is there anything that will swap so i can put later model front drum brakes on this thing & i dont need disc brakes either since i'll be running the stock flathead mtr & tranny.

also how do ya swap out those wierd looking u-joints they have("Ball and Pin" type) & use the later model joints on them. i know i'll need a drive shaft made for it BUT i want to get rid of those Ball and Pin joints since the cost $150 EACH...... can anyone give me some help here or direct me to a site that can help me.....thanks.....joe

[Bugman]

Unless their really really worn out, I'd keep the ball and trunion u-joints. Or at least the front one. Otherwise you need a new trans or a 2 piece driveshaft like in a late model van because the B&T also compensates for driveshaft length changes like a standard slip yoke. If you just bolted on a standard u-joint shaft, it would bind when the suspension travels. Late model CV replacment boots can be adapted to replace a torn B&T boot.

To adapt some brakes, just find some that have the same drum diameter, and shoe width. The redrill the new backing plate to fit the old spindle and use your stock brake drum.

Try to find wheel cylinders that are the same diameters as yours too, otherwise it'll brake goofy.

-Jeff

[tragic59]

There's a mesage board/forum for that era Dodge/Plymouths somewhere on the net. Lots of knowledgable guys on those boards and they really only deal with that era Mopars. I'd go and ask your question there as well and see what they suggest.

I think it is called the D-12 P-15 board or something... I'll look for it and if I can find it I'll post a link.

[4woody]

Here is url for the forum section of the "P-15 D-24" Web site, and it doesn't matter if your car isn't a P-15/D24 long as it is early 50's or older everyone is happy. Very good site if this is what you're in to. P-15 D-24 Board (http://merc583.addr.com/cgi-bin/webbbs/webbbs_config.pl)
FWIW, The brakes on my 50 Plymouth work good now that they're rebuilt and properly adjusted. I say properly because it is not that easy to get the fronts right. I switched to a modern dual master and a power booster over 10 years ago and really is fine if you don't drive too aggressively.

[tragic59]

Sorry. Looks like the site I was thinking of was for 46-early 49 model years. I'll include a link anyways, because they may share some suspension components...

http://www.merc583.addr.com/mopar/framesets/welcomeframeset.html

[tragic59]

Looks like Woody beat me to it.