dually rear brakes, need advice help

[Zeke]

A guy at work who used to work on these alot said with only 116,000 miles on the truck the rear brakes should be good and I don't need to check them until the front pads need changing again or the rears start making noise or showing signs of leaking. Guess I am anal about this but I like to have the peace of mind knowing my brakes are good so I am going to pull them apart anyway.

It's been 30 years since I worked on floating axle brakes, 65 3/4 ton chevy.

Are there any special tools needed for this?
Anything special or problems that I need to look for when I do this?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Might be the size of the rear drums that have me intimidated.

[BigBlocksRule]

I'm in the process of rebuilding a rearend out of a '97.
I got mine turned at a local truck center, cost me $50 for the pair. New AC Delco brakes were about $75. I haven't replaced the wheel cylinders, they're about $100 apiece. They do make a rebuild kit for 'em, that's probably what I'll end up doing.
Take your time in figuring out how everything is held together and make some notes..

[packers05]

use the inspection holes with the rubber plugs!! save your time and money it may not need it if not rusty or abused, maybe just need a little tightening.

[Zeke]

Thanks for the replies. Figured it was simpler than it looks, just wanted to make sure I wasn't getting into something over my head. yea the cylinders are priced way out there thanks for the tip on rebuild kit.

Looked and there aren't any rubber plugs, don't know if there is a knock out or not to put some in, guess I'll find out when I get it apart.

[clinebarger]

My 97 Dodge dually still has the original rear brake shoes at 216K. (Dodge & GM used the same rear brakes for a few years)

O reilly shows to have these wheel cylinders (97 chevy 3500) for 11 bucks each http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/se...997&vi=1034626

[BigBlocksRule]

Thanks for that link - I'm sure not opposed to running O'Reilley's stuff, I've had better luck with theirs than any of the other parts store's stuff.

[Stano]

I put new wheel cylinders on my 96 dually for around 45 bucks for both sides. Also not alot changed as far as rear end disassembly over the years. If you look before you leap you'll be fine.