how to get the brake drums off of a Dana-53?

[Gwamp]

I have a guy that wants the drums from a dana-53 that I have. However, I cannot get them off for hte life of me. Is there a trick to this? THe axle is from a 64 J-truck so they are the old style of drums. After you knock off the cap there is a large nut with a pin in it. After you take that off, in theory, I should be able to use a slide hammer to get it off correct? There is no C-clips that I can see inside the axle pumpkin or at the other end that could be holding things together. Suggestions, or is there something glaringly obvious that I am missing?

[LRRH]

the first time I replaced them on my 70 wag they were a PITA to get off. I had to work them back and forth FOREVER.

remember...if all else fails.....a torch and a BFH!!!

[jode]

YEah, but dont hit them near the edge of the drum or they will chip - a couple of really good solid blows to the center area of the drum should provide a shock wave that will break them off.

BFH ! :D

[Gwamp]

*sigh* I was hoping there was something I was missing and not just the massive application of elbow grease. :D

[tomd]

I think actually there is a special puller for it, they work really good. They hold down with 3 lug nuts, then have a center pin and such like any other puller, but some have a dogbone handle to you can tap it with a hammer. I tried getting them off w/o one of these special pullers and its a major PITA, i rented mine from a local rental shop.

[Gwamp]

I've been trying to avoid buying/renting any new toold for this project, but I may be SOL and will just have to bite the bullet and buy what is needed to do the job right. :(

[gladiator]

Hey Gwamp. On my 53 axle the drums are held to the axle flange ends by 3, 1/4" screws that go through the drums into the flange. The screws are countersunk into the face of the drum. On mine these are slotted screws. The first time you may have to soak them with WD40 and use a hammer type impact tool. Make sure to fit the screwdriver bit to match the screw slot or you will bugger the screw and then you are screwed. I have never had to pop the axle flange off the axle to remove the rear drums. The only other hangup is when the drums are undercut and the brake shoes hang up the drums when you try to pull them off.

[porkchop]

The old D44 axle on my wag was the same way. Had three screws holding it on. Couldn't see them at first since they were rusted and covered with years of dirt. I just used a hammer and chisel to get them loose. Put the chisel on the edge of the edge of the screwslot and tapped it with the hammer. Churned first time. Once those screws came out drum slid right off. Felt pretty silly since I was smacking them pretty hard with a hammer for hours. The drums on the M715 are the same. Had the manual for that so knew about them before hand.

[Gwamp]

Thanks for the tips, I will look and see if there are any screws when it gets light out.