I ended up doing the following: - Replaced the right side axle seal (what an ordeal getting the old one off!) - Cleaned up the brake drum and replaced the shoes (since the old shoes were full of oil). My Uncle must have known there was an issue because there was a set of brake shoes in the garage when I got the truck. - installed new parking brake cables on both sides (the cable from the pivot rod back to each drum).
I have a couple of questions: - When I went to drain the differential, I removed the fill plug first and some fluid came out. It seems like that wouldn't be possible? - I am trying to understand how the axle bearings are lubricated. When looking at the rear of the axle/differential assembly, it doesn't seem like the fluid level would get high enough to lubricate down the axle. And the bearings aren't sealed in any way, so I am assuming they are completely reliant on the differential/axle fluid for lubrication.
Also, while troubleshooting the parking brake (it still doesn't "work") I noticed this seal on the drive shaft was not screwed in (see photo attached). I attempted to get it back on multiple times and was unable to get the threads to engage. I tried to clean both thread surfaces, but to no avail. I assume the seal sits against shaft coming from the transmission and not "inside" of it, if that makes sense? Anyway, I put the truck away to tackle it another day. But any thoughts welcome.
As far as the parking brake is concerned, there is supposed to be a two piece rod from the lever back to the pivot rod (which no one seems to sell anymore) and on my truck, the second half obviously broke, so a rod was jury-rigged in to its place. I am thinking there is just too much play there. I don't know.
