D44 Fr. Disc Brake Backing Plate Shields - Keep 'em or Lose 'em?

[502Burban]

D44 Fr. Disc Brake Backing Plate Shields - Keep \'em or Lose \'em?

What do ya'll think? I'm reassembling my front D44 axle and can't decide. I'm talking about the rotor shields that are spot welded in a couple places to the caliper mounting bracket. I've had experiences with these things getting clogged-up with weeds, mud, dirt, etc. I've also had the spot welds come apart, causing the shields to rattle. A friend with a K5 just air chiseled the shield off of the caliper bracket and says he's had no problems.

Do you see any problems with this? Will it leave my rotors vulnerable to damage? Has anyone else ditched the rotor shields? Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Thanx,

Robb
'73 GMC Suburban - 502DFI
<a target="_blank" href=http://community.webshots.com/user/robbrj>community.webshots.com/user/robbrj</a>

 

[Leadfoot]

Re: D44 Fr. Disc Brake Backing Plate Shields - Keep \'em or Lose \'em?

For street driving I would leave them, but for wheeling they actually get in the way more than they help (also would keep brakes cooler with increase air flow).
Just my $.02

There is a Right way, a Wrong way, and then there is My way. The latter is usually the most fun!

 

[wayne]

Re: D44 Fr. Disc Brake Backing Plate Shields - Keep \'em or Lose \'em?

Just my $.02 worth. I would say keep them.

<font color=blue>Wayne<font color=blue>
<font color=blue>Happy Trails<font color=blue>

 

[thatK30guy]

Re: D44 Fr. Disc Brake Backing Plate Shields - Keep \'em or Lose \'em?

Those thin shields, I would LOSE them!

They do nothing but collect dirt, mud, weeds, etc. If you take them off, you can clean your back sides of the rotors better and you can also check your rotors visually to see if they are worn or wearing grooves in them.

Toss them and be done.

<font color=blue>"Ya don't have to beat it, ya know!!!</font color=blue>

<a target="_blank" href=http://coloradok5.com/gallery/thatK30guy>http://coloradok5.com/gallery/thatK30guy</a>

 

[BurbinOR]

Re: D44 Fr. Disc Brake Backing Plate Shields - Keep \'em or Lose \'em?

I asked this question when we did the Dana 60 rebuild...........the vast majority said lose them..........which I did. Can't see any good reason to keep them.

<font color=blue>'79 ONE TON TPI K5 - See it at---&gt;<a target="_blank" href=http://www.blazzinor.rockcrawler.com>www.blazzinor.rockcrawler.com</a>

 

[FRIZZLEFRY]

Re: D44 Fr. Disc Brake Backing Plate Shields - Keep \'em or Lose \'em?

I ditched mine durring the rebuild.I was tired of stuff getting trapped between it and the rotor.

DONT SWEAT THE PETTY STUFF,JUST PET THE SWEATY STUFF<a target="_blank" href=http://community.webshots.com/user/beaterwhang>community.webshots.com/user/beaterwhang</a>

 

[WhiteWhomper]

Re: D44 Fr. Disc Brake Backing Plate Shields - Keep \'em or Lose \'em?

If you look at most of the aftermarket disc brake kits, they do not include any dust shields. Lose them if you like.

 

[90blzr]

Re: D44 Fr. Disc Brake Backing Plate Shields - Keep \'em or Lose \'em?

Hey I was about to post this same question about a D60 I'm rebuilding

. thanks, now I dont have too! I guess I wont tput them back on...

 

[502Burban]

Re: D44 Fr. Disc Brake Backing Plate Shields - Keep \'em or Lose \'em?

The verdict is in!

Looks like it's 6 to 1 for ditching the shields. Thank you to everybody for the opinions. I was leaning toward losing them; now there' no question. They gotta go.

Robb
'73 GMC Suburban - 502DFI
<a target="_blank" href=http://community.webshots.com/user/robbrj>community.webshots.com/user/robbrj</a>

 

[Bubba Ray Boudreaux]

Re: D44 Fr. Disc Brake Backing Plate Shields - Keep \'em or Lose \'em?

Since you already got your mind made up I'll deny you this tidbit. No really, one thing I noticed on the race truck I pitted for was no shields and this truck is in the rocks and dirt all day running at highway speed. But then again, it has mudflaps in front of the rearend to protect the rear from rocks.

Bubba Ray Boudreaux,
Leader of the Advance Party for
the CSA revolution in the PRK!
<a target="_blank" href=http://community.webshots.com/user/mdntrdr1>http://community.webshots.com/user/mdntrdr1</a>

 

[Bubba Ray Boudreaux]

Re: D44 Fr. Disc Brake Backing Plate Shields - Keep \'em or Lose \'em?

Just for curiousity, here's the pic of the mudflaps I was talking about.
http://community.webshots.com/user/mdntrdr1

 

[Seventy4Blazer]

Re: D44 Fr. Disc Brake Backing Plate Shields - Keep \'em or Lose \'em?

well, both me and my buddy have one on and one off. next time we remove the tire with it still on then it will come off. mine has been off for about 3 years now and no problems.
i have not notticed anything different...
Grant
ditch them

1974 Chevy Blazer Cheyanne. but it is on 33's now, with saggy old springs. i am in Yuma Arizona if ya got any parts for me.

 

[seattlek5]

Re: D44 Fr. Disc Brake Backing Plate Shields - Keep \'em or Lose \'em?

Lose 'em!