Expert: Brad Sears - 5/17/2008

Question
QUESTION: Have a 51 Stude 2R11 3/4ton pu with a heavy split axel. I want to rebuild the rear brakes. As I look at the rear end with the wheels off, I don't have a clue as to how to get the drums (and axels) off to get at the brake parts.
Any suggestions? Or maybe where to get a drawing of how to take apart.  Thanks for any coaching or suggestions.  
Dean

ANSWER: Do you have a circle of bolts on the end of the axle inside the circle of bolts that holds the wheel on?
Brad

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks Brad, I will attack those bolts this weekend and see what I find. Sure wish I had bought a 1/2 ton.

Answer
Hopeful there are two holes on that flange that have nothing in them but are threaded. If so once you get the bolts off take two of the bolts and thread into those holes. They will bottom out against the hub and when tightened evenly will act as a puller to remove the axle. Once the axle is out there will a big nut that will have a lock tab that must be bent out before the lock nut can be removed. Remove the lock nut, then the lock ring and then the last big nut. That will allow the hub and drum to be removed from the axle stub.
Brad