Today I finished the rear end of this truck, I did a thorough inspection of the differential, replaced broken off wheel studs and repaired MANY brake problems.
This part of my project started with the intent to just replace a few wheel studs and move on. Unfortunately but not un-expectedly I found some "suprises" that costed me both time and money.
The passenger side of the truck had an almost new brake drum and shoes but broken wheel studs, the e-brake cable on this side was unattached and missing a spring that would have held it in place. The inner wheel bearing seal was leaking a lot on this side.
The drivers side had a functional e-brake and seal. This side had newish shoes but the drum had a terrible gouge (and matching ridge in the shoes) from someone wearing the brake pads to the rivets and continuing to drive for probably years. This drum needed replaced and I'm glad I found it because it was dangerous. (see pics)
The differential housing was filled with fluid that looked a lot like a chocolate shake with bubbles. The differential gears all looked good.
I repaired or replaced all of the above problems.
Also important: Let it be known that I had never before even attempted a drum brake system, specially a 3/4 ton rear axle.
Tips:
-Do one side at a time so you can refer to the other side to see which spring goes where.
-There IS an inner and outer side to each brake shoe (I learned that one the hard way)
-There are some great videos and internet resources that make this kind of job pretty easy. Search for it on Google videos before you start!
-Make sure your bearings are clean and have no obvious damage before putting it all back together. It would be terrible to do the job over again because of a 5 dollar wheel bearing.
-Clean the differential cover seal lip thoroughly before applying sealant, any oil residue will void your attempt to seal it.
-DO NOT OVERTITGHTEN THE DIF-COVER BOLTS.
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