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You must use a drum puller. These are big heavy pullers that bolt to the drum with the lugs. They have a great big screw shaft with a spinner on it. You turn the screw in against the axle shaft until you can turn no more. Then you beat the spinner with a hammer until it goes "POP!" No lie, I'm not making this up! It is vital that you keep the axle nut on; just loosen it. When the drum goes "pop," incredible amounts of energy transfer.
Hi Steve, a little self promotion here if it is allowed but I make and sell a puller that works better than the 3 legged type without beating on it with a hammer or turning anything against the axle shaft. You can check it out by googling " Les Fairbanks rear drum puller".
Or you can loosen the lugs bolts a little, back down the driveway and back, slowly. The hubs will loosen by themselves. I did it on my 1929 Desoto. The hubs had not been removed in 45 years. I am sure this is not right way but it worked.
I am sure this is not right way but it worked.
One of my mottos....
"Never argue with success"
It's supposed to be fun!
1949 De Soto Custom Convertible (project)
I found a video that shows the basic setup. There are several styles of pullers, including the one shown. OTC makes a very common one as well.
Some people have been lucky to get away with a front wheel drive hub puller, but if you have an obstinate drum they will probably be too light.
Your number of hammer swings may vary!
It's supposed to be fun!
1949 De Soto Custom Convertible (project)
Here's another YouTube video showing rear drum removal on a '51 Plymouth Cranbrook. More of a shade-tree mechanic using an Amazon sourced puller, but very well done and informative video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zrcm7MsQiXQ
Mark
Thanks, Mark!
That's the OTC puller that I used to have, until I got one of Les Fairbanks setups.
They both get the job done!
It's supposed to be fun!
1949 De Soto Custom Convertible (project)