Difference in 6000lb and 7000lb brakes

[halfwright]

My question is:

Will 7000 pound Dexter brake backing plate bolt onto a 6000 pound Dexter axle?
Will the drums interchange or will new drums be needed?

I would like to upgrade the brakes from 6000 pound to 7000 pound, but do not know what all is invovled.

[lfw]

halfwright... this is what I found on etrailer.com
What Is The Difference Between the 6K and 7K Dexter Axle Electric Brake Assemblies
Question:
What is the difference between the 12X2 6000# and 7000# Nev-R-Adjust brakes? Are the magnets stronger and/or more aggressive brake shoes? I have Dexter 6000# 8 bolt axles and am looking for more braking power. Will the 7000# backing plates fit on the 6000# axles?
asked by: Steve M

Expert Reply:
You are correct, the difference between the Electric Brake Assembly for 6K Axles, part # 23-458 / 23-459 and the Electric Brake Assembly for 7K axles, part # 23-180 / # 23-181, is that the 7K brake assembly has a stronger magnet, and also has a different compound on the brake shoes than the 6K electric brake assemblies for more stopping power.

Both the 6k and 7K brake assemblies, fit the same axle. Yes, the 7K backing plates on part # 23-180 / 23-181, will fit on 6K pound axles.

lfw

[halfwright]

Thanks for the quick reply. Now that I know it can be done, I wonder if there would be a problem with too much axle twist and hurt the suspension. Is there anyone out there that has done this? Is the stock wiring sufficent for the extra load from heavier magnets?

[lfw]

Check out this site... they have better prices than etrailer...
dieselguy told me about this site... I am getting ready to put brakes on my Monty.. not sure what I will go with.. 6000 lb or 7000 lb.. self adjusting.. complete backing plate...
http://www.easternmarine.com/Electri...ke-Assemblies/

lfw

[halfwright]

I am planning on the complete backing plate route. From what seen I have on other trailers is the magnets wear also. I have seen them worn into the wiring, but that was many years ago and, hopefully, they have improved since then. I also am going to get the self-adjusting type.

[dieselguy]

I swapped out the original #6000 brake assys for #7000 brake assemblies. 5 bolts ... two wires each. I'm very satisfied with the results for the cost vs disk brakes. I does take 50 - 100 miles for the brakes to burnish in before you really start noticing better braking. Since you see some making the swap to disk brakes on the same axles, I had no worries about structural failures. You do not need to change drums. All this being said ... disk brake conversions will provide way better stopping power ... those conversions will also empty you wallet much quicker.

[lfw]

dieselguy... That is what I am going to do... switch to the 7000 lb assembly.. I just ordered them today... thanks again for posting that web site.. saved me a few bucks...now is the job to find someone to turn the drums here in downtown Houston.....

Thanks again..
lfw