removing the rear drums??

[1980chief]

ok went to replace my shoes in the rear and i can't get the drums off. i don't know thats its not just because they haven't been off in about 10 years or if i have to do something special to remove them...thanks for any help

[Stuka]

Get a brake spoon and adjust them out. there is a slot on the back side at the bottom. You need to adjust the star wheel inside. after you back them off then you can get the drum off. This generallly means the drum is very worn out.

[davez26]

I had a buddy's truck where the adjuster was all screwed up, so I couldn't adjust it out. There were two holes in the outer face of the drum 180 degrees apart. I threaded a couple of bolts in there and turned each one a little at a time until I could get the drum off. Maybe I got lucky, but it worked.

[Joe J-Truck]

One time I adjusted my rear drums all the way off, and they still wouldn't let loose. I tried beating on it with a 5 pound sledge, nope. Finally it took a good hard wallop with a big 20 pound sledgehammer to make the thing let go. Sometimes serious beatings are necessary!

[johnwaynejeep]

Dave,

A lot of time the holes in the front of the drum is made specifically for that, When the drums get stuck just thread some screws in and force the drum off after you've adjysted the brake shoes like Stuka said. I had to do that with my Escort and my Dakota

[Torque]

When your ready to do the brakes go to a place that does free brake inspections.They'll put it up on the hoist removethe drums and giveyou along list of things you must fix.Nodd your head act agreeable and tell 'em you'll have to bring it back at a later date.Drive home andyou'll find the drums snug but quite easy to remove.Also a good time to do a visual inspection of the underside while its on the hoist