Rebuilding 68' 311 rearend

[mawaru]

What started as simply rebuilding the 2 rear wheel cylinders has turned into more fun. I dropped the leaf springs and pulled out the rear end. There's nothing broken as far as I know but at this point I'm replacing the rear shocks too...

Does anyone have any advice on rebuilding the rear end? I'm planning on doing the following:
1) Straighten out the backing plates as they seem slightly bent
2) rebuilding the rear wheel cylinders
3) replacing the brake shoes
4) clean all of the parts (sandblast, etc.)

Is there anything that should be professionally serviced or machined? Is there something else I should consider replacing at this point?

Thanks,
Roland

[fj20spl311]

If the wheel cylinder have any pitting, they will need to be replaced. You can use 510 wheel cylinders, but you need to adapt the thread from SAE on the roadster to 10 mm on the 510. There is a adaptor fitting or you can change the flare nut.

Best to have the drums turned and the shoes arched to match.

[RCMike]

Check axles for cracks, check splines, replace studs.. Plan on axle seals. Check axle bearings. Check the shape of the gears, make sure they are not too sharp..

[mawaru]

If the wheel cylinder have any pitting, they will need to be replaced. You can use 510 wheel cylinders, but you need to adapt the thread from SAE on the roadster to 10 mm on the 510. There is a adaptor fitting or you can change the flare nut.

Best to have the drums turned and the shoes arched to match.

I rebuilt them and honed the inside. So hopefully it works well as they were seized before I started all this. I didn't know the 510 wc work too. That's good to know. Thanks!

[mawaru]

Check axles for cracks, check splines, replace studs.. Plan on axle seals. Check axle bearings. Check the shape of the gears, make sure they are not too sharp..

Thanks for the tips Mike! It's more work than I expected given this is my first time. What studs are you referring to?

[RCMike]

The ones the wheels bolt to..
It's easy while they are out.