Eliminating rear disc backing plates??

[stumpofj40]

Hi all, I've got a disc brake rear end off a 1998 HZJ75 that I'm planning on putting in my FJ55 and the disc brake backing plate on the passenger size is totally mangled and ground down (looks like the wheel may have fell off at some time in its life). Guess I just want to know if anyone has decided for a similar reason or another to cut down, modify or totally delete the backing plates....if so pics would be great!!
Thanks!

 

[Estancio]

…. when I posed the same question a few years ago, folks on IH8MUD advised me against removing the backing plate on my BJ70. They cited dirt, rocks, debris getting around brake caliper as the reason as I recall. So I never removed mine.

 

[kbushnz]

The issue you will have if this is the disc model is the handbrake drum is integral on the rear disc's.... And uses the backing plate to support the brake shoes and mechanism... So removing it completely wont work unless you plan on some other method for a parking / E brake. There is a skirt that extends beyond which acts like a stone guard / debris shield... This can be removed / cut off..... Many wheel without them and have no issues with stones or mud in calipers... Well no worse than with them.... IMHO Its actually easier to get in there and clean out after a day in the mud....

 

[oldblue]

I fitted rear disc's to a FJ40, with out backing plates, and found that when it was raining and the HI way roads were wet there was a small delay before the brakes would bit to there full force. Made up backing plates and everything worked fine.

 

[stumpofj40]

Thanks for the words guys, looks like I might just have to trim them up to make it look ok but leave enough so that the handbrake linkage brackets etc are still useable...
will post some pics when I finally get around to getting it all back together and on the truck.
Dan

 

[stumpofj40]

Well worked out a solution which I was happy with, ended up just cutting off the bottom part of the backing plate.
Also did the same to the other side in the end, even though it wasn't damaged I just wanted it to match

 

[Estancio]

Looks great!
Keep us posted on whether it makes a difference one way or the other.