OldIHC

I have a D series project I am working on and my number one problem are brakes. I have a 1937 1/2 ton, 1940 3/4 ton, and 1937 1.5 ton. The big truck is an old fire truck with a great engine and perfect cab. I am using the 1/2 ton frame and trying to piece together parts to make a good one...I am looking for 1 rear backing plate for a 1937 half ton, or four good brake drums off a 1937 or 1940. I am also looking for the brake shoes with hardware. Once I get the brakes taken care of I have everything else. Thanks

You are certainly a man after my heart. I have several projects like the one you mention...cab off one, frame off another...
The D series pickups used at least TWO styles of drums. So head's up.
I paid $80.00 for a good used D-2 front drum here lately.
I have no doubt folks here might try to steer you towards another differential.
I have K and R diffs, I would probably take a shot at a transplant. Or Ranger.
A lot of people are updating to Must II or equivalent.
Later rear ends, etc.
Should be plenty of old parts avail.

Hi Josh!
My first advice is to submit lots of pictures of your project including what you're looking for.
We are visually stimulated here.
My next advice is to go with the half-ton brakes. (I understand you want to stay stock).
What exactly is wrong with your half-ton drums and rear backing plate?
Are you missing parts?
Do you have core brake shoes? They can be relined professionally.
Search (using the search function) oldihc.org for someone like you that was looking for D-2 brake parts.
Our resident parts specialist Scottso may be persuaded to help. He's amazing!
I own and have owned lots of D series IHC trucks including D-2s.
I don't currently have any extra D series front drums. I may have a rear backing plate, but like others may balk at removing a backing plate from an otherwise good rear end.
That's why you might have to wait until someone is basically "throwing away" these parts you need because they are going IFS and later rear end.
Which brings me to the other possibility, the one you don't want to consider...
A later differential will definitely give you a more traffic-friendly rear end ratio.
Get one with the same bolt pattern so you can use your stock IHC wheels.
A disc-brake conversion for your stock front axle and spindles...you should be able to use your pretty wheels.
That's about I know. Good luck!