'84 Dually drum brake stuck, how to remove?

[GMCMG]

I did a few quick forum searches, and didn't find anything that helped me out. This is my first time working on brakes this large, and maybe I'm just not putting enough oomph into it.
On my '84 GMC 6.2 ton dually, the driver's rear drum is froze solid. I've tried everything to get it to budge, but no luck (and all I can do is spin the other tire, so she's not moving ANYWHERE). I finally decided that removing the axle shaft and drum was the only way to go.
I removed the axle shaft and bearing nut, and now I have some wiggle, but the pads are stuck in place solid, and the only wiggle I get is the play that's in the brake components. I don't want to break the drum. This is a 'home use only' truck that never leaves the property, and I can't afford to put money into it. I don't care if I destroy pads or springs doing this, as I can get by with front brakes only for my uses (i.e. I'm not planning on buying any parts at this time).
Is there some secret to loosening things up enough I can get the drum off? There are a couple of slots in the bottom of the dust shield; is there some way to get something in there and ???
Any help is GREATLY appreciated.

[travo77]

have you tried hitting it with a rubber mallet

[GMCMG]

Originally Posted by travo77

have you tried hitting it with a rubber mallet

I've smacked it till my arm was tired, then swapped arms...

[GMCMG]

VICTORY IS MINE!!!

Finally! (Insert bigger hammer, lots of pounding and cussing, some prying, more cussing, jerking, pounding, etc...)

One of the pads had failed - part of it fell off - and wedged between the pad and drum. Add a little rust (no bed on this beauty queen), and the fact that the adjuster is frozen solid (I'll have to fix this or it won't go back together...).

Thanks travo77. Maybe I just needed a little bit of reassurance on the whole hammer thing...?

WHY DON'T THESE THINGS HAVE AN EXTERNAL RELEASE/ADJUSTER FOR EASE OF REPAIR??????? Anyone?

[travo77]

your welcome

[2tons of fun]

Originally Posted by GMCMG

VICTORY IS MINE!!!

Finally! (Insert bigger hammer, lots of pounding and cussing, some prying, more cussing, jerking, pounding, etc...)

One of the pads had failed - part of it fell off - and wedged between the pad and drum. Add a little rust (no bed on this beauty queen), and the fact that the adjuster is frozen solid (I'll have to fix this or it won't go back together...).

Thanks travo77. Maybe I just needed a little bit of reassurance on the whole hammer thing...?

WHY DON'T THESE THINGS HAVE AN EXTERNAL RELEASE/ADJUSTER FOR EASE OF REPAIR??????? Anyone?

because life is hard.



next time pound the studs in and remove just the hub, that wayyou can be sure that you wont damage the drum.