Drum Brake Counterweight?

[Rishi]

What's this counter weight all about on this rear drum? It seems like a sizable weight just to balance the drum as the drum seems so symmetrical.

Does it balance anything with the 8-3/4 rear end? I find that hard to believe, because if so, it could be put back on in the wrong orientation and mess up the balance. Or am I over thinking this?

I think this finned 11-inch rear drum is factory original, because I can make out a 1969 casting date. I find no data about it being painted white, in similar manner as the red 10-inchers on AAR & T/A E-bodies.

 

[toolmanmike]

I had to remove mine to be able to bolt my wheels on. It's crazy that a drum, machined from the hub, would be that far out of balance. I haven't noticed any crazy vibration.

 

[Tony Tee]

I purchased two new rear drums for my 69 charger one had a weight and the other one didn't. I have a balancer
And the drum without the weight was out of balance. I added a weight and pop.rivet it on with some stainless steel rivets. Ya never know what you're getting nowadays.

 

[Geoff 2]

It is a balance weight. The drum is two piece. The face plate [ where the wheel studs poke through ] is steel, the rest is cast iron. Being cast & not machined, the thickness varies; hence the need for balancing.

 

[Rishi]

It is a balance weight. The drum is two piece. The face plate [ where the wheel studs poke through ] is steel, the rest is cast iron. Being cast & not machined, the thickness varies; hence the need for balancing.

Thanks for the insight, this explains alot.