There should be two slotted screws in the drum face. Thsoe need to be removed to take the drum off without disturbing the bearings. To check the bearings, the axle shaft needs to be removed, followed by the locknut, lock, and adjustmer nut. The axle comes out by taking the 8 bolts out, then sliding the axle out of the housing. You may need to tap the axle flange lightly with either a deadblow or brass hammer to get it to pop free. The bearing lock and adjuster nuts do require a special socket to remove them. This socket is readily available at any parts store. It has 6 pins on it, and is similar to the Dana 44 4x4 axle socket.
Here's the
page from the shop manual that shows how they come apart. The socket needed is
tool #2 on this page. The currently available tool is only the socket part, and does not have the T handle. It uses a standar 1/2" square drive instead.
