Brake drum removal!!!

[JREs69er]

I was attempting to pull the drums on my K20 this weekend and had some problems, I can't get them off. I have an eaton rear end and someone told me that I needed to open the rear differential and pull the c-clip to remove the axles. He also mentioned something about the spider gears falling out and having to realign them. Is this true?

Also, I have heard people having problems getting parts for these type of setups, Eaton/Drum. I know they have disc conversion kits but from what I have been reading there isn't a real improvement in braking distance. Any ideas or advice.