Rear Brake Drums Stuck

[rankinrr]

Ok, I screwed one up already. Put a puller on the drum, heated around the key, banged like hell and the drum just started to collapse. Talking about a bummer. Not to mention expense. Now I am in process of cutting damn thing off with sawzall. Any secrets? They have been on there 30 plus years. I have a feeling the other one is not going to coperate. Go figure, it is the last of the jobs to get her road ready. All that would have been left was putting things back together.
Thanks All
Rob

[big m]

Are you using the correct type of puller? There are many different ones out there, and some that are rather useless. I use this particular type, I bought from the Snap-On dealer 30 years ago.

I also have good, used hub and drum assemblies should you need one.

---John

[rankinrr]

Nope, just a traditional puller. That is what I imagined I needed in my dreams last night while I was kicking myself in the you know what. My friend is a MATCO dealer and I can see with them. These drums just colapse under the pull of a normal puller. Thanks for the photo.

A question?? After take the cotter pin, nut and washer out, your ready to pull right??? Say yes, please.
THanks
Rob R.

[big m]

You should be all set to remove the drum. Remember, it is a tapered fit, and you will need lots of pulling power to remove them. I always thread the nut back on the axle just so it is flush with the axle end, this keeps you from mushrooming the end of the axle. Also, remember, it is not good to apply lubricant to the taper when reinstalling the hubs, they should be dry.

---John

[Dick Koch]

Rob - You can rent (I did the first time) a hub puller or buy one (I did the second time). NAPA has a OTC quality Hub Puller. The first time I did it I had the same problem as you even using a correct hub puller. I had to whack the drum about 6 times with a 20 lb. sledge, they finally popped off but the drums were destroyed in the process. I had installed Disc brakes in the front from AAJ brakes. I ground the rivits out of the drums and used the front in the rear. Worked ok but I recommend you get drums from John (Big M).
Dick.

[rogerh]

Another reason to replace the nut loosely while "pulling", is when the drum finally releases, it can fly off and hit you.

[rankinrr]

Free at last, free at last, thank God almighty, free at last.......

[Denver 59 Fin Convert]

Now, go forth and spread the word on 59 Plymouth tapered axle journey and let others learn from you!!!

You have been to the mountain and it is all good! Now get back to work on it!!!

John Q.

[rankinrr]

Yea, and now to get those adjusters unstuck............