Greetings all. Is there / what is ... the secret to getting the out drum off in order to look at the brakes. She's sat a long time but the outer drum really does not look that bad.

Also, what is a good shock to replace what's on her. Nothing fancy or top of the line, just a good factory type shock (or maybe a little better.)


THNX all.

Greetings all. Is there / what is ... the secret to getting the out drum off in order to look at the brakes. She's sat a long time but the outer drum really does not look that bad.

Also, what is a good shock to replace what's on her. Nothing fancy or top of the line, just a good factory type shock (or maybe a little better.)


THNX all.

If it's like a 69' drum, you just need to smack it pretty good (several times) with a big hammer to loosen the rust. Then, it should pull off. If not, there should be two bolt holes (sorry, can't tell you the size) in the drum. You thread in two bolts and it will force the drum to back off.

Shocks? I think a lot of guys swear by KYB gas shocks as being inexpensive and working nicely.

It may take soaking the area where the drum and axle or front hub (not sure if you're doing the fronts or backs) with a good penetrating oil like PB Blaster or Kroil for a while, then use a 4 lb or so hammer (non-marring dead blow is nice if you have one) to loosen it. They corrode pretty tight to the hub (heck, I just had to do this to the front rotors on my Silverado, and it has only been around 7 years).

Once you have it busted loose, if it moves but still won't pull off, you may have to get in the oblong hole (should have a rubber plug in it) with a small screw driver and back the shoe adjusting wheel off a little.

Oh, and for a reasonable OE type replacement shock, the Sensatrac seem to be decent, and the KYB Gr.2 (vs. the Gas-A-Just) are okay too.

Smack the flat part of the drum right between the studs, with a big hammer, to break it loose from the hub. If that doesn't work you can pull the cotter pin and spindle nut to remove the hub and drum as a unit.
The monroe shocks are not as stiff as the kyb's IMO.

Good Luck!

Jeff

yea KYB's are VERY stiff.

if its really rusted on there you can get a puller from harbor freight.

THNX All!