I've got a '66 C-20 with the 3/4 ton axels. Its got the 8 lug wheels and 8 bolt hub for the axel shaft. No star wheel access hole in the rear. I have disconected the emergency brake cable totally. I have loosened the 8 bolts that are for the axel shaft and attempted to dislodge the brake drum to no avail. How do I get the brake drum off? "Factory" books are worthless. Appreciate any help.
depends on what axle it is. if its a d60 they might slide off once you figure out if there is a retaining screw on the wheel mount surface. if its and eaton you will need to pull the shaft out and remove the spindle nuts, then the entire wheel hub will come off. this is all of coarse based on whether you have a big lip worn into the drum inwhich case you might need to adjust the brake spreader to allow the shoes to retract in to clear the lip. a pic would help a lot.
On the 3/4 and 1 ton trucks, the hub is pressed onto the drum by the lug studs so you'll need to remove the hub & drum as one assembly. You need to completely remove all 8 of the axle cap bolts that you loosened, then pull the axle out completely, then remove the lock ring and lock nuts that hold the hub to the axle tube*. But, as 2-ton stated, your brake linings may continue to hold the drum on if they are badly grooved. You may have to resort to some major pullers in order to get them off because there are no brake adjuster access holes on the 1966 C20 rear backing plates so you can't back the shoes off. *see page 4-37 of the 1963 Chevy Truck shop manual. The 1966 shop manual is a suplement depicting only the changes that are unique to the 1966 model year. You'll need to buy the full 1963 shop maual to get everything. (just incase you hadn't already known that) Good luck!
