The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts HELP, 1949 2 ton rear brake confusion

I am restoring a 1949 Chevy 6400 firetruck. The rear end is frozen. I'm hoping its the brakes. I took the wheels off and pulled the pumpkin cap to find a splined hub. How do i remove the brake drum after backing off the adjuster? Do I need to pull the axle?
Thanks, Stan

Those drums can get rusted on. Once the brakes are backed off - remember, there is an adjuster for each shoe - use some curse words and some persuasion.

Hammer, pipe or C4 persuation?
I know there are two adjusters but which is which or does it matter? The manual leaves a few tidbits out.
Stan

If the brakes are frozen, you wont be able to move the wheel at all. One wheel may be frozen, or both could be frozen. If a wheel spins a few degress and then locks up, you probably have some rear end problems. You might try backing off the brakes and rock the truck with a tow chain attached to another truck. The jarring would probably brake the drums loose. I have also heated the drums with a torch and hit them with a sledge hammer a few times. I try not to do that method if possible. I'm always afraid that I am warping the drum by beating on them.

You will need to remove the axles first unless they have three screws around the drum at the stud line, if those can be removed then you can try to get the drom off, if they are stuck ytou may want to just pull the axle and the the complete hub now you can also check bearings and replace the seal. You'll need to back off both adjusters on each side to loosen the brake shoes.

Ive had some sucess unbolting or loosening the wheel cylinders while pulling off drums. Helps stuff move around inside the drums.

Thanks to all who answered my question. Today I backed off the brake adjusters and hit the side of the drums a few times. After a beating they broke loose. Now on to the paint shop.