> >
> > > Three years ago I planned on installing a Trutrac limited slip
> > > differential in my pickup, but I've run into a few problems. I
> > > have no idea what side bearings to get: the on-line parts lists
> > > show many different ones for my vehicle. ARGH.
> > >
> > > Another problem is I cannot get the bloody wheel drums off, as the
> > > shoes seem to have expanded all the way and I cannot turn the
> > > relaxing wheel through the slot in the back. I'm thinking maybe
> > > I'll bring the vehicle into a break shop and let them replace the
> > > shoes, then do the differential.
> > >
> > > If anyone knows how I may find out which differential bearings to
> > > buy, perhaps that person would be kind enough to tell me. I live
> > > in the wilderness and I only get into town 5 or 6 days a year, so
> > > I would like to order the bearings before I go into town.
> > >
> > > The engine has been rebuilt, though there are over 250,000 miles
> > > on the pickup. The engine runs great, but the center support
> > > bearing is shot. Life sucks when one's poor.
>
> > Are you pushing the adjuster ratchet stop back out of the way while
> > trying to back off on the shoes?
>
> Yes and no. The slit is too tiny to get two tools in, and it's too
> dark inside to see through the slit. It's very annoying.
>
> --
>formatting link
> Desertphile's Desert Soliloquy. WARNING: view with plenty of water
> "Why aren't resurrections from the dead noteworthy?" -- Jim Rutz
If the drum is worn there will be a lip on the edge. If the brake shoes are adjusted where they should be, ( in light contact with the drum), you will have to back off the shoes to get the drum off. I use a thin bladed screwdriver to hold the clip out of the way and run the adjuster back in with another screwdriver. If as one of the OP's posted, the shoes are not run out the drum should come off, unless it is rusted to the axle flange. I have not seen any drums that did not have two opposed threaded holes on the face of the drum. (Doesn't mean there aren't some out there) The hole sare in the flange area just outside the studs. I believe they are threaded for 8mm. If your drum is full of dirt and rust you may be missing them. A good wire brushing should help find them.