54 and 56 Brake Drums...differences?

[Collin MacDonald]

Are there any differences in the 54 to 56 brake drums? If so please state....Thanks

[Dave Suesz]

My understanding

is the front and rear drums for all standard 53-62 brakes were the same. The better replacements have the spring, or at least the spring groove, on them.

[Joe L.]

Re: 54 and 56 Brake Drums...differences?

Collin-----

If you are talking about functional differences, there are none that I know of. As far as I know, the drums for both years are 100% interchangeable. However, the part numbers were different. 1954 originally used GM #3696213; 1956 originally used GM #3717781, although very early 1956 may have used the 3696213. The 3717781 became the SERVICE replacement for the 3696213 in October, 1955.

So, what are the differences between the 3696213 and the 3717781? I have no idea.