2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission rear brakes

[TGaines]

Is it terribly difficult to remove the rear drums on a 96' 3500? I need to address the rear brakes on my truck and have been afraid to tackle the job because you have to pull the axles. Is this pretty easy to do? I don't like the idea of paying the dealer over 200 for the rears. Any comments or suggestions?



Thanks,

Travis

 

[CumminsPower98]

You don't need to pull the axles as the drums and hubs are separate pieces. There are some little useless clips to remove and then you're there. At least that's how my '98 is.

 

[Dane]

Don't laugh, this works great -



1) Jack up the back and put jack stands under the axles.



2) Remove the rear wheels.



3) Block the front wheels.



4) Put a lug nut back on one stud each side.



5) Start the truck, put it in drive or 2nd gear, get the rear axle spinning, put it in neutral and hit the brakes hard.



The drums will break loose.

 

[JGheen]

Originally posted by Dane

Don't laugh, this works great -



1) Jack up the back and put jack stands under the axles.



2) Remove the rear wheels.



3) Block the front wheels.



4) Put a lug nut back on one stud each side.



5) Start the truck, put it in drive or 2nd gear, get the rear axle spinning, put it in neutral and hit the brakes hard.



The drums will break loose.

I don't know about that recommendation... sounds like something could easily break or come apart from doing that. Just jack it up and take a big a$$ rubber mallet and hit the back of the drums until they come off. You may need to back off the shoe adjuster in order to get them off since you said they have been on for a while.

 

[Todd G]

I tried the hammer and couldn't budge the drums. I did the slam-on-the-brakes thing with one lug-nut on half way and both drums popped right off. Save yourself time and effort, go the easy way

 

[CumminsPower98]

And when you put the drums back on put anti-seize around the hub so they don't rust on again!

 

[rrausch]

I just worked on my rear brakes yesterday. I jacked the rear up and took the wheels off and broke the drums loose by running it in D and braking, and then R and braking. Works great! This is the 2nd or 3rd time I've done it like that. It is about the only way to free the drums up if they are really frozen on there. Just be sure you put 1 lug nut back on to keep the drum from flying off and rolling into the garage wall or something!



Also, while you are there you might want to replace your rear seals. I did my rear seals & wheel cylinders too. The wheel cylinders were American made and only $11 apiece! I had replaced my rear seals about 80,000 miles ago, and one had started to leak--I just discovered it last week. Don't go to the dealer for the seals though--go to a good auto parts shop like NAPA. Dealer wanted $60 for 2 rear axle seals, good auto parts store wanted $26 for better quality seals!

 

[rblomquist]

Originally posted by Todd G

I tried the hammer and couldn't budge the drums. I did the slam-on-the-brakes thing with one lug-nut on half way and both drums popped right off. Save yourself time and effort, go the easy way

DITTO HERE!