rear brake drum stuck

I have the same problem... one drum came off pretty easy, on the other it almost seems as if the shoe has worn into the drum, because the drum is really loose when fully on, to about halfway off, then it just becomes a huge PITA. I have hit the snot outta it, and grease it up big time, and pried and pried.. still no luck. Makes me wonder what special tool a shop would have for a job like this.

LEVE said:

the other it almost seems as if the shoe has worn into the drum, because the drum is really loose when fully on

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Look at the star adjuster at the bottom of the wheel assembly and back it off. That will/should let the shoes collapse inward toward the hub. That should let you get the drum off.

Have you tried backing off the star adjuster?

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I couldn't access the star adjuster, even with getting the drum almost off, I guess I should say I could get the drum half way. I did get the drum off finally, wasn't much left of the drum, but a couple maul hammers, a few pry bars, and enough cussing finally got it off. Going to need a complete set of hardware of course, there wasn't anything left of the shoes on that stuck side.

Well, off to the parts store.

...another thing that kind of seemed strange to me, is that the side of the van which had the stuck drum also had trouble getting the new drum back on over the new shoes and hardware. I have the star adjuster as closed as it can go, and I know it is the correct drum because it goes on the other side just fine. I finally got it on, but I can't get the wheel two spin. I have yet to put the tire back on, and take it for a drive, I know the parking brake is released, and it appears that the cylinder is compressed as much as it can go....

..hmm..back at it tomorrow.