brake drum removal suggestions...

[dwoods]

Greetings ; just jacked up truck last night removed tires and getting ready to do a complete/well over-due brake overhaul - front to back.
I'ts been years since I've had them apart and I'm anticipating a fight - espeasially with the rears! Any suggestions would be welcomed on the best way to get them off without getting too beat up...

Also ; I'm going to be sticking with drums ,but it seems to me that the last time I tried to find replacment rear drums - they were difficult in locating the right ones - and that was long ago. So any suggestions on the best parts for the buck - your recomendations as to the best places to purchase brake parts would also be greatly appreceated.

67 3/4 ton Chevy long stepside with coil springs.

Thanks in advance ;

Dave

[mmsidaho]

Last time I took mine off I used about a 1.5-foot peice of 2x4 as a lever from the backside and then took a hammer to the 2x4 as I rotated around the back edge gradually working it off. Seemed to work ok.

[Stocker]

Welcome to the board from Norcal.

If the drums are well worn, there may be a lip preventing the drums from sliding off over the shoes. If you have access to the star adjusters (some don't, unfortunately), turn them in as far as you can.

As far as brake parts, I normally use my local NAPA store. Others will probably suggest whatever has worked well for them. On the chance that you need new drums, it will depend on what axles you have. If you're not sure, post pics and someone will ID them.

[GASoline71]

Since it's a 3/4 ton, does it have an Eaton rear axle? If so, that's the reason you're having problems finding new drums. New drums for a regular ol' 12-bolt are a dime a dozen at most local parts houses.

Gary

[dwoods]

I'll be digging into it deep over the weekend and will reply with my findings.

I just recall last time having a difficult time getting them off and it's been years since I've even had it off the ground... it's sadly been neglected for way too long....

While I'm thinking about it... I do have to pull the axels right? I'm sure it will all come back to me once I dig in.

Thanks again ;

Dave

[Stocker]

Originally Posted by dwoods

While I'm thinking about it... I do have to pull the axels right?

Yes

[custom97]

Unfortunately, I have to do mine as well. This morning I found some fluid coming from the right rear tire.

[GASoline71]

Nothin' worse than a tire leaking fluid!

Seriously though... axle seals are a pain no matter what...

Gary

[quick60]

1. My 3/4 ton has two screws on each drum that bolts them to the axle. Mine were filled in with layers of paint and barely noticeable.
2. Also like has been said a lip worn in the drum will be a problem. Back off the adjuster.
3. 8 bolt pattern makes it difficult to pull you must pull evenly all the way around. I took a flat head screwdriver and bent the first 1/2 inch to a 90 degree angle. Used that to reach in through one of the holes as a lever to pry off of the axle flange. Worked good.

So far on my truck that first time pulling the drums has been the most difficult and PIA thing I have had to do.

As a last resort if all else fails pull the axles and hubs with the drums on and take to a machine shop to maybe have them pressed off.

[dwoods]

They all surprizingly came apart with no issues.... That is the good news - the bad is what I did espect - I need to replace everything cylinders etc etc...including the lines - rubber & steel - neglected for way too long!

Passenger side rear had both of the linnings completely sheared off of the shoes and were pressed against the drum. Truck had been sitting for a long time and when I moved it, it felt like the e-brake was on and I'm sure it was the shoes on that side frozen to the drum before I forced it to move & sheared them.

I will post some pics once I figure out how to do so and have the time.. I also would like to have someone help in identifing the rearend.

Thanks again for all your help.

D

[elf w/capital T]

A 2x4, hammer, maybe have the drums blasted to get a clear shot at inspecting them...?? .....Brake bleeder screws..i replaced mine just to give me that happy feelinng whenever i have to bleed them! Have fun!

[Timbro]

i am just finishing up a brake job on my 67 drums... getting the drums off were a real pain. i kept increasing the size of hammer i used. word of warning...make sure you use a block of wood .... i actually broke some pieces off of one of my hubs getting it off. a couple of them came off easy...the other two had the pads tight agains the hub and required a combinations of pry bars, screwdrivers and hammers to remove.

[dwoods]

I was lucky all my drums breeezed off without issue...probably from all of the oil from my leaky wheel cyclinders! I however need to replace everything cylinders, springs, hoses, etc... and now that I have it jacked up in the air.... I'm replacing the shocks... also cleaning and getting ready to do some rust prevention - the old POR-15 I used 10 years ago is flaking off.
Everywhere I look - I'm finding more stuff that needs to be done... that's been neglected!

Thanks again for your input!

D---

[twouvakind]

Originally Posted by dwoods

I was lucky all my drums breeezed off without issue...probably from all of the oil from my leaky wheel cyclinders! I however need to replace everything cylinders, springs, hoses, etc... and now that I have it jacked up in the air.... I'm replacing the shocks... also cleaning and getting ready to do some rust prevention - the old POR-15 I used 10 years ago is flaking off.
Everywhere I look - I'm finding more stuff that needs to be done... that's been neglected!

Thanks again for your input!

D---

I'm thinking disc conversion. You start adding all those drum components up and your time to repair and renew....member CaptainFab sells the bolt on plates for D52 calipers. Just a thought, then again..uh...you have drums up front...never mind me!