The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk So, onto the parts buying......

jdl,

The two MOST important things on any vehicle are the brakes and the steering! Please get a good basic manual that covers your truck and read, read, read! A piece of sheet metal can cover a hole in the floor but nothing takes the place of good brakes and steering.

Removing your drums may be as easy as adjusting the brake shoes in. Sometimes the shoes wear into the drums leaving a ridge in the drum that "locks" it into the the shoe. The fronts are usually the easiest. Do one side at a time. Block up the front axle near the side you plan to work on. Remember, SAFETY FIRST!
Make sure the tire is off the ground and nothing can fall on you.
Take the tire off. Adjust the shoes all the way in, then remove the dust cover and the cotter pin, nut and washer. Then, start "wiggling" and pulling on the drum. It should come right off. Use a piece of cardboard or a tub to catch the outer wheel bearings. The rear drums can be pretty tough to get off at times. You may need some help for those.

best wishes, Les