Chevy & GMC Vans

Got it cleaned all out, used engine degreaser but I am waiting on the weather to warm up before I try again.

NOW I am struggling to get the brake drums off, I know there is a thread, just gotta find it. All I have is a propane torch, I hate to rent a torch for this job, but if I have to I will.

Did you try backing off the adjuster on the rear brakes?

I am not stuck on the shoes, I can flex the drum enough to see them. It is hung on the center hub where it is rusted together.

Its been below 20 most days here for a week so I have not touched it

Yeah there's a thread somewhere for that. I assume you've tried beating on it.

I had the same thing and never got them off as I simply ran out of time. I think the suggestions were heat it and then use one of those wax rings for sealing a toilet down where the drum and hub meet up and it might break it loose. Or, hit it with a hammer until it does. I think PB Blaster was mentioned as well. Of course backing off the shoes as well. I was pretty sure I was not caught on the shoes, and couldn't find the adjuster anyway, and ultimately ran out of time. Now it is too cold and it will have to wait until warmer weather or when I clean out the garage.

I have done several sprayings of Liquid Wrench penetrating spray, once the weather worms a bit I will try heat and beat again

Best tool ever for beake drum removal!

Rented fromt he local tool rental place for $18 a day

http://www.amazon.com/Posi-Lock-110-10- ... B001BAD2N0

Popped them both off in under 5 minutes!

I was trying to get the drums off as a "get ahead of problems" situation. Found that most likely the previous owner had a complete brake job done just before I bought it. I could tell the springs were newer, the drum had ZERO wear, shoes were at at least 90%. Well worth the look see to get a comfort feeling.


Now, the rear differential..... Still have not been able to get the filler nut out. Decided to JBWeld a short extension in to see if that fills the slippage. Gonne let it cure for 2 days and try again, will let you know the results.

I keep a puller in my toolbox. It's a very useful tool and comes in handy for many different jobs.

Bumping an old thread rather than start a new one, is it really possible that my 2004 doesn't have a rear differential drain plug? It looks like I am going to have to take off the cover, unless I am missing it. Thanks!

edit apon further searching it appears there is not, so unless that is incorrect this can be ignored, there is no drain plug on a 2004 rear diff, only a fill plug.

Correct. I think the idea is, just like transmission, that you are supposed to inspect the internals when you do a fluid change.

I am going to take a grade 8 bolt and a file and make a tool. I think a 10mm square diff plug yanker will be useful with all that was said here...

The best way to get the rear diff fill plug out is with heat. Otherwise you risk stripping the 3/8" square hole out. Once you get it out the first time tightening to just snug is the trick rather than over tightening like the factory does.