After years of struggling with removing brake drums, I learned the secret via an internet search.

If the drum is stuck to the hub by rust, use an air chisel with a dull point to work the drum around the center alignment circle. This will crack the rust.
Prior to my internet search, it took 40 minutes and a drum puller, hand sledge, and oxy-actelyn to get the first drum loose. I broke the drum puller trying to get the second drum loose. It took 20 seconds to remove the second drum using the air chisel.

Once it is loose, you have to gentle work it over the brake shoes (back them off all the way first).


I fixed my e-brake by reaming-out the pivot hole on the e-brake mechanism so it no longer drags.

 

I always just took a huge hammer and got some anger out on the drum.


but I can see the air chisel being easier if you aren't angry

 

I dont know about some of you guys but i get angry just thinking about having to do brakes

 

Why not just loosen the slack adjuster up and they will slide right off.....

 

Well the first time i did mine on my 04 after i got it in June, the parking brakes were sort of stuck to the drum, alot of rust and crap built up all inside the drums and everywhere. Since then i replaced the drums and emergency brakes and hardware, so now they come off with ease as i had them off to check my axle seal which was leaking.

 

I dunno then, I guess I have never had that issue. I have loosen the slack adjuster for about 5min to get them to slide off, but I think its worth it rather than beating the drum up

 

I would agree on the not beating up the drum part, but in my case rust around the hub center was not a problem for me. I had to use multiple pry bars and hammers to work it free. PITA!

 

i agree the slack adjuster is the key that most don't know about but some times a BFH is the key too for a rusted hub ...but if you take a little antizise and put it on the hub never a problem again

 

thank GOD they left the drums off my truck, but it still stops LOL do you chisel the center or drum or both or do you just want to make vibes to brake it loose.

 

You need to come North where all the rust is.

You use the air chisel against the drum near the center hub so that the drum will flex and break the rust up.

Then you can worry about whether your shoes are dragging.