I removed all the lug nuts, tire, and the nuts that are on the end of the axle that I guess hold the plate on that holds all the grease in. This truck has been sitting for about 20 years and runs and drives. I cannot seem to budge the drum off the rear driver side at all. Banged on it and tried to seperate it by prying it apart with screwdriver. I did not pull the little plate off the end of the axle as I can't get it off. It does come off right? Is that what has to happen first before you get the drum off so I can check the brakes?


Also any good way to get the wheel cylinders out? Brake line nuts are frozen going into wheel cylinder. Propane torch? I tried PB blaster and let soak but not working.

Isn't there ea little slot on the back side that you can place your screwdriver in to loosen up the adjuster and back the brakes off? That's all that I can think of other than rust pentetrant and a big rubber mallet.

The small plate in the center is the axle. That has to come out. Then inside is the wheel bearings. You would take it apart just like the front drum of a car. The outer drum does not come off with out the center hub. Its one piece center hub and drum.

You need to pull the axle and then there is 2 spindle nuts with a locking ring between them. Then the hub and drum should come off unless the drums have a large ridge. If there is a ridge you will need to back off the shoe adjuster screw.

So, I need to pull this little plate off at the end of the axle that is held on by 8 nuts right? Then I can pull the axle out? This correct? All I want to do is get the brake drum off to get to the brakes. If I can't get the little plate off how do I get it off? I have read you have to beat on it by hitting it on the edges. Or hitting it hard in the center. This correct to do this first then I can get the brake drum off? It has cones behind that little plate that need to be broken free is this correct?

The little plate is the end of the axle. Once its off, it will be just like the front end on a car. Two large nuts and the bearings, and the drum should slide right off.

Okay, I just found and excellent video on You tube that shows you exactly how to do this. http://www.youtube.com/user/CHOPSHOPUNDERGROUND Just type in How to remove rear brake drums on 3/4 ton 1970 dodge truck.

Anyone know what size nut that is on the axle? It is very large and would have to purchase it special order or rent it I guess.

Thanks to all.

Wizard