Update - 52 Ford 8N brake problems

[ssgofish]

First off, thanks to ALL of you for your help. The drum screws are OUT. I used my air hammer + a big old 5/8 slotted screw bit I found at Harbor Freight yesterday, $25.00. I set my air gun for minimum torque. 1st 3 came right loose. Last one was a bugger, but I got-er-done. I had to file down the 5/8 bit as it was too wide for the screw slot.
Now, how do I get the drum off the hub? Brake shoes are backed down and I don't want to break the drum by whacking it too hard in the wrong place.
Thanks again.
ss

 

[Dean]

Penetrating oil, moderate hammer work from back side, and patience.

If all else fails, heat the part of the drum surrounding the axle.

Dean

 

[Dean]

Drums are steel rather than cast iron so quite forgiving.

Dean

 

[ssgofish]

Thanks. I have been whacking the rear edge of the drum for a while. Got lots of penetrating oil around where hub meets the drum. I have backed off the shoes until there is no more adjustment. I wonder, since part of my brake issue on that side is the pedal would not return all of the time, if the return springs are shot & the shoes are still out.

 

[M-MAN]

I have had good success with a large aluminum drift and a big hammer. Put the drift between the studs near the center and work your way around. It takes several times around but the shock will break the rust bond. Once it moves go to the back and finish tapping it off.

 

[Dean]

I've done that before with a piece of hard brass and it helped.

Dean