Rear Brake Backing Plate
 

I have a 2000 Silverado 4.3 2 wheel drive with approx 190K. I am going to replace the rear brakes and noticed the bottom 40% of the backing plate is completely gone and what is left of it is loose. I searched and found an old thread from 07 and it looks like the differential cover needs to come off and axles need to come out to replace the plates. Is this the only way to go? The cheapskate in me wants just to cut away the loose parts, replace the brake pads/rotors and call it a day but I think this would expose the emergency brake assembly even more to the elements than it currently is and possibly be unsafe. I have a garage and tools (no lift) and do most of my own work but am unsure the best way to go on this project. If I do decide to do it I would assume there are some seals that might as well be replaced while I am in there. Any thoughts and/or suggestions? Thanks