How do I change Brake Shoes on a 1 ton?

[RobbyRam]

Yes, I am going to do my own this week-end because my rear brakes are squeaking at 42k miles. The diesel mechanic at my work thinks our Dodge 2500's and 3500's are like our large trucks and we have to pull the axle out to change the rear shoes. Anyone done it? Pictures???

------------------
Y2K Awesome Black LB 3500 QC SLT, 24Valve ETC ISB, 4x4, 4:10 LSD, DTT Custom prepared Auto transmission VB, Power Edge 'EZ', DD2's, K&N, Polished Stull Billet Grill/Fog inserts, Chrome Smitty-Built Step Rails, Mopar Chrome-Tipped Mud Flaps, A-Pillar mounted West-Tach Turbo/Pyro/Trans Temp gauges, Rancho 9000's, Diamond Plated Tool Box, + a bunch of other stuff. Fact:The First Fords' had 'DODGE' Engines! The new PSD's need them!

 

[sam peterson]

Robbyram---The drum slides right off and you don't have to pull the axles unless you want to check bearings or replace seals. Its a real straight foward replacement but I will be supprised if you need new rear shoes because of wearout. You may have a buildup of brake dust that you can wash out with water[hot water works great]. If you do replace the rear shoes install some larger bore cylinders. If you need more info on them,let me know---Sam

 

[Koa Man]

Do one wheel at a time so you can look at the other one to see how all the parts are supposed to go together. It is easier that way instead of looking at a diagram in a book.

 

[Shovelhead]

A little tip I've used before is use your video camera, or an instant camera(Poloroid?)
to take a "before" picture, or use the video of the dissassembly procedure for reference.

------------------
Ed Anderson
99 3500 Sport,6x4,QC,Black,Auto,4. 10,Everthing 'cept leather,stock until warranty runs out.
'76 H-D FLH, '98 FLHTCUI
"Never ride faster than your guardian angel can fly"

 

[Jeff Hall]

I was trying to get the drums off of my '99 2500 today and they wouldn't budge. Any suggestions. The manual simply says"remove the drums".
Jeff

------------------
'99 2500HD QC SLT 24V ISB EGT/Boost Guage 5spd 3. 54 LSD Pullin' Alpenlite 25 + 2 5whl
MPG Empty 21, Towing 13

 

[sam peterson]

Try illflems idea. Run the rear wheels in gear with the rear axle on stands & use the brakes a few times. May have to do forward & reverse. That should break them loose.

 

[Extreme1]

If that doesn't work, break out the torch (acetlyne or MAP gas, don't even bother with propane). Heat the drums between the studs as evenly as possible. Then use a prybar between the drum and the backing plate. This is big, heavy, thick stuff, it can take a fair amount of abuse.

 

[Koa Man]

Never had problems taking my drums off. I assume you did have the parking brake off. You may need to turn the adjusters in a bit.

 

[sam peterson]

when you do get the drums off clean the surfaces where the drum stuck and use a little antiseize on them to stop this for next time.

 

[Deezul1]

A trick I have used for years with great success is to smack the drum at a 45 deg angle right on the corner. Dont need to beat the crap out of it but usally 1 or 2 pretty good licks will pop it right off. The old boy that taught me that trick told me it sets up a vibration between the hub and drum and it walks right off.

------------------
96 SLT Laramie CC 5spd, 3. 54, no muff, no cat, 5"turn down tip. (its sold)looking for another. Member NRA/USPSA