Opinions? axle with 11" brakes value...

[squidtone]

Hi guys,
I bought some parts this past winter from a young guy in western mass. He just posted another ad so I happily went up again two days ago to buy a spare 16" wheel (yahoo)

Both times we had to step over a Dana 41 with 11" brakes to look at the other parts.
He wants 60 bucks for this rear axle (purported to be a good axle). A little voice is nagging me to go back to get it for the brakes. I'd swap them onto the front axle of my little rig.

Do you all think it's worth it? And more importantly, can I have 11" drums in front and keep the 9" brakes in the back?

Just not sure if I really need them. The 9" brakes felt okay when I drove my rig around....but perhaps this would be a worthy upgrade?

[Oilleaker1]

The 11 inchers were used on pickups. They are superior to the 9 inch. I would want all 4 though. I think your fronts with 11 would slide the wheels before the back would kick in. All 4 in 11 would be less petal pressure with more of a designed application on braking. The wheel cylinders are sized to do this.  my 2 cents. John

[squidtone]

Yes, I guess you're right...I've never heard of drum brakes being mismatched in diameter....I've seen width and wheel cylinder size differences front to back, but not diameter.
Maybe I'll wait this one out....

[JeepFever]

I am considering same thing ->  11" in front, and leaving stock 9" in rear.    I have one pair of 11" hiding around here somewhere.

My '2A has 11" at both ends,  and it is easy to lock up the rear, even with 32" or 31" tires. . .  I am wondering if the '3A would be more "balanced" by leaving weak brakes in rear, and putting stronger ones in front.

Hoover will be used offroad, and my experience with '2A is that 9" are too scary,  especially if they get wet.

[aboyandhisdog]

JeepFever,  you might want to balance your 2A brakes by changing out the wheel cylinders.  The rear cylinders are smaller (or have a smaller rating) than the fronts.  It's been a while since I tore into my 11 in. brakes, but I know I put different (smaller) cylinders on the rears.  I'm sure NAPA could set you up.