The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline 3/4 ton drim brakes - 69' GMC

I started to inspect my brakes today and quickly realized they were a little different than any I'm familiar with..can someone offer a few pointers, starting with removing the drums. I may be able to handle it from there.

Front or back? The fronts have a screw that holds them to the hub. Use an impact wrench to get the screw out. Most are rusted and a PITA to remove. Front will come off after the adjuster is turned loose. The hub stays in place. Rear? Full floating axle type. Pull the axle and the drum can be removed with the bearing. Messy and requires a wrench to remove properly. Not too different from a 3/4 Chevy. Keep the drum and brake shoes for reference. There are different size drum and shoe combinations. Some have a bigger diameter, and some are wider. You need to measure so you know what parts you will need. Parts including the seals are easy to find at your FLAPS. Enjoy. 4x4 will have different fronts than 2 wheel drive.

Looks like 2 slot screws in each drum, front and rear, a couple of which are all buggered up. I suppose its a good practice to replace with new whenever that happens. I'll pick up an air ratchet to do the job.

I have drilled them just to remove the head. And yes they are a pain to get out. Early days and how I learned about anti seize. Ah, experience.

Well I removed the screws from the drums -69' 3/4 GMC. Upon close inspection, I see no need to put them back. I'm thinking they were needed just for progression down the assembly line - input please.
And my second question is about the front drum assembly; does the drum come off without removing it as a drum/hub assembly? Thanks to all for experienced input.

Looks like the drum can be removed with the hub in place. It also looks like there were more than one drum and matching brake shoes. Measure to know for sure. Screws hold drum to hub. Wheel will do the same thing when installed. I have done both, don't know if there is a good reason for the screws except to keep the drum located when the wheel is off? Any thoughts out there?

Job is all done. Drums came off with a little PB and a good hammer. It was pretty standard from that point except for finding a thin paper gasket between the hub face and the drum. NAPA couldn't identify it. I'm guessing it was just to prevent seizing. I used a thin application of anti-seize in it's place: it tore while removing the drum. On to the rear and another learning experience. Any insightful advice will be appreciated.