VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - GENERAL Commercial Vehicles 1948 1-Ton Dual Wheels Rear Brake Drum Removal

I just acquired a 1948 1-Ton Tow Truck (or at least the remains of one). I just posted a picture of it under the Member's Projects section if you're interested. I'm trying to figure out what I've got and what needs fixed and replaced. I'm sure I'll have a ton of questions, as I'm not at all familiar with trucks. Been working on the '48 passenger cars up until this point in time. Anyway, my first question is: what do I have to take apart to remove my rear brake drum? Below is my setup.

It has been a long time since I took one of those apart. If I remember right, you have to remove the rear axle which is held by bolts into the drum/hub assembly. Once the axle is unbolted from hub slide it out. You now should be able to see the nut inside the hub that secures and adjusts the outer bearing. Think there is a locking tab that needs to be released to back off the nut. Once retaining nut is removed the hub/drum can be removed. Be careful to not drop bearings.

Well that sounds like a mess! :-) Which of those sets of bolts need to be taken out to remove the axle? I've got two sets to choose from. Did they really make it that hard?

The bolts that hold the axle flange are the 8 in the small circle, then give the edge of the flange a few taps and you should be able to remove the axle.

So the nuts in the large circle in between the wheel lugs don't have to be removed to get the drum off the car? It all comes off as a unit? I was just looking at the shop manual for rear axle removal after reading the posts. It sounds fairly straightforward - yes they do say there is a locking tab. The pictures in the shop manual don't show the extra flange and larger circle of nuts in-between the lugs. Guess that's just part of the dual wheel set-up and doesn't come into play in removing the axle/drum?

the nuts in the large circle hold the brake drum to the bearing hub. first step is already explained remove axle ect.

Thanks to all for the info. A little more complicated than removing a passenger car brake drum, though pretty much like the front set-up where the drum comes with the hub.

That looks like a full floating axle. It should come out without removing any center keepers.

Just remember after the bolts are out to give the axle a good smack on the end. Each hole has a tapered sleeve that sometime holds the axle in.

Thanks. Will let you know how it goes. Will be a few weeks since we're headed to Florida for a couple weeks and then to Virginia where my daughter is having a baby. Thanks again.

It may take a few hits with the hammer to release all the keepers so I only loosen all the nuts but not remove completely (saves several search parties) before using the hammer. Be accurate with the hammer and dont hit the nuts or studs or there will be naughty words in the garage.
Tony

chevy normally did not use the taper cones but ford did.
Al

Now that I think of it,F##d was on studs also!