89 SR% a few questions

[Dieseler]

89 SR5

There is a rod that is not connected to anything where does it go is something missing it is connect to the brake PROPORTIONING valve.
The other thing is the backing plate cover is coming off from corrosion eating at the tack welds should I just cut it off or is there a replacement for it or does it require a whole drum back plate.

 

[Jonathan_Ferguson]

In your first image there is the remaining portion of the bracket for the bell crank to the LSPV rod, which has also had its joint jettisoned.

 

[Dieseler]

I take it this part is important.

 

[KLF]

The LSPV is not absolutely necessary, you could just tie that thing off and leave it like that. But that free end is supposed to be attached to the axle, looks like the bracket is rotted/broken off. The problem will be that without the LSPV, the braking bias may be off if you change the loading. Panic stops may get unpredictable.

That ring on the backing plate is partly structural, but also keeps water and dirt out of the brakes, as it rides in a groove of the drum. Remember that braking forces must be carried by those backing plates, so they have to be really strong. I would worry about removing that ring, the backing plate could flex and collapse during a panic stop. I would get some replacement backing plates if I were you, or convert to rear discs.

If you want to replace the backing plates, you'll need access to a press and a special jig. My son and I just did this yesterday, I have a jig I made from an old axle housing.

 

[Dieseler]

The backing plate is structurally fine it is just the dust cover that laps over the brake hub and backing plate to stop crap and rocks from getting inside.
What part did you have to press on.

 

[KLF]

The bearing and a retainer ring are a tight press on to the axle shaft. The backing plate is trapped behind the bearing.

Others have gotten them off by banging the end of the axle shaft on a piece of wood that is on a solid concrete floor. I tried it once years ago and I thought I was gonna have a stroke, so I made the jig. My son bet me the other day that he could get it off with the "bang it on the floor" approach, but he gave up. It maxed out my 20T press before the retainer ring finally popped off with a big bang.