Mismatched e-brakes: 73 axle swap on my 87 K15

[AZ Highlander]

Not sure how many have done this, but when I went to install the 1987 e brake cables, there isn't the same attachment to the drum brake backing plates. I figure that I'll need to custom fab something for the 73 axle e brake cables to work with my 1987 e brake system. After looking at my sons' 1978 K25 and 1982 Suburban, I think I will need to have the cable that goes all the way around under the frame in a rectangle, but unsure of exactly how it will all work out. Anyone else have this experience?

 

[legopnuematic]

I would keep your stock cables and adapt the axle rather than the other way around.

In my opinion the later setup is a better and simpler design.

 

[AZ Highlander]

I would keep your stock cables and adapt the axle rather than the other way around.

In my opinion the later setup is a better and simpler design.

Thanks Spencer. Not sure how to adapt the drum brake backing plates. I can envision adapting the front ebrake cables to tie into the rear, but not the other way around. Would like to use the later setup, but not sure how.

 

[legopnuematic]

Your 73 axle has the cable that bolts to the backing plate right?

 

[AZ Highlander]

Your 73 axle has the cable that bolts to the backing plate right?

yep, thats the one. I should be putting pictures up here too, sorry for the lack of pictures.

 

[legopnuematic]

See here and here

This was a different situation, 70s truck with 70s axles, but lift much taller than the stock cables would allow. The 80s cables are longer and allowed it to work. He made a small tab to bolt to the backing plate and accept the 80s cables.