How to Measure Dana Backing Plates

You can replace the backing plate on older Corvettes, Thunderbirds and Jeeps with a Dana backing plate. Dana backing plates are made for vehicles with Dana axles. These backing plates hold the braking assembly so the brake pads can squeeze the rotor and force the vehicle to stop. These backing plates can be removed from one model of vehicle and mounted on another as long as they are the same size. Automotive knowledge and mechanical experience are required to remove the tires and braking assembly in order to complete this task.

Instructions

1

Position the two jacks underneath the rear axle of the vehicle so there is one jack beneath each shock. Jack up the vehicle and remove one of the tires with your wrench set to expose the rotor and brake pads. Refer to your owner's manual if you are unsure of how to remove the tire.

2

Remove the brake pad, rotor and brake shoe. Your owner's manual will give you clear instructions on the assembly of these parts. Set the brake shoe on top of the axle. Do not let it hang down because it will put stress on the hydraulic cables. Remove the backing plate from the axle.

3

Measure the inside holes of the backing plate with the internal slide gauge. These are the holes that were used to mount the backing plate to the axle. If you are using this backing plate for another vehicle, make sure it will fit the bolts on your axle. The larger hole in the center of the backing plate leaves room for the spindle of the axle. Use your caliper to measure the diameter of the spindle to make sure it will fit on your vehicle's spindle.

4

Measure the outside circumference of the Dana backing plate using your caliper. This measurement will let you know if you have enough room to fit the backing plate underneath your vehicle.