Front Backing Plate Removal
 

Hello A' ers:

I am in the process of removing my existing steel brake drums and related backing plates etc. to exchange them for Randy Gross cast iron drums. In attempting to remove the front backing plates, I am referencing the Les Andrews purple book page 1-36. I have done everything listed on that page except removing the brake shoes. I did not think that removing the brake shoes would be necessary in order to remove the backing plate. However, the actuator pin is not dropping out and the backing plate will not come off. Do I need to remove the brake shoes in order to make the actuator pin drop out then remove the backing plate?

Re: Front Backing Plate Removal
 

The operating wedge has to come out, then the pin should drop out.

Re: Front Backing Plate Removal
 

you can remove the front backing plates complete. remove the bolts drop the backing plate down on the spindle, take a pair of needle nose pliers and push the activator pin up. and remove the backing plate. when you go back together do it in reverse.

Re: Front Backing Plate Removal
 

Much thanks to all.

Re: Front Backing Plate Removal
 

I got the front backing plates off thanks to your help. Now the rear backing plates are eating me alive. Less Andrews purple book page 1-40 indicates that one only needs to remove the axle nut, emergency brake band springs and band, and the four castle nuts inside the grease baffle. After doing so, and pulling the clevis pins for the service and emergency brakes, I find that the actuating arms will not clear the radius rods. Is there a special move I am missing?

Re: Front Backing Plate Removal
 

Disregard my last posting about rear backing plate removal. I found a gold mine of information via the search function. BTW I chose the removal of radius rod route.