are backing plate's necessary?
 

I have a 2003 express 1500 AWD with rear disc brakes. The rear brake backing plates are rotted off. Does anyone know of any problems with just leaving the plates off?

Thanks,
Andy

Without the backing plate will road crap not get into the parking brakes and cause wear on the inside of the rotor?

On my Jeep with rear disc conversion I run all 4 corners without dust shields. They only thing they were good for was trapping gravel between the dust shield and rotor causing an awful screeching sound. Removed the dust shields 3 years ago and have not noticed any adverse effects so far.

I know a Jeep is not a Chevy van, but the principle is the same....

Your parking brake shoe mounts to the backing plate, so if you want to keep your parking brakes you need the backing plates.