Hey all!

(This is my first post so take it easy on the new guy)

So the other day I go to back up my truck (99 Ranger RWD auto) and it seemed to have some trouble moving through the new MN snow so I got out to dig myself out of my own driveway. To my surprise, the left rear had not rotated and had been dragged while the right rear was spinning. Since my truck was outside and it was warm the day before, I assumed some water had frozen it in place or something. I gave it some more gas, there was a thud, and it began working.

The next day it happened again but it did not break loose. I thought it might have something to do with the brakes and the truck is due for a total brake rebuild anyway. Also my wife found a broken spring on the ground. I figured out by studying Chilton it was the "Parking Brake Equalizer Cable Spring". I found out from the local Ford Dealership Parts Dept that it had been discontinued.

I decided to go ahead with the brake overhaul. However the drum is stuck on. I tried adjusting the star bolt, but it does not budge. Also, manually manipulating the parking brake and banging on the drum with a hammer did not loosen the drum. It is on there rock solid.

Does anybody have any idea how I might get that darn drum off?

 

You might spray some PB Blaster in the adjuster hole.
If the brakes are falling apart, that’s when spring break up, then the drums are probably worm too so it could be a fight to get it apart.

A couple of screw drivers on the outside of the drum and start tapping with a hammer, a dead blow hammer will help some.
Hit the outside of the drum and the face of the drum, if it starts to move you can sometime stick a screwdriver or other prying implement in the center hole.
Keep working it, they all come apart eventually.