D-15 Brake Drum Removal

Tackling the rear drums and never done this before. After wheel removal I removed the five bolts on the axle and the axle slid right out. Now there appears to be a large nut / bearing that has to come off before the drum can come off. Is this correct? Appears to be about 1-3/4"? Do I just back that off (once I get a socket the right size?)? From what I can tell it has to come off before the drum/hub can come off. Drum turns easily. I was surprised you'd have to take the axle out in order to remove the brake drum/hub? Or am I missing something?

You got it. I always count threads, make marks whatever so bearing adjust is close when I'm done.
I still think full-flosting is easier than a stuck tapered rear axle. I usually pack bearings like front wheel bearings so I know it starts out lubricated.
New stuff the drum just lifts off the studs on full-floating ( Chev, Ford, Dodge). You don't even have to remove axle. How cool is that?

If it is like most old trucks you will have a "Tab" washer that you need to knock the tabs down first then undo it.

I was taught when putting taper roller wheel bearings back on always tighten them up fully then back them off one castlelation on the nut then bend the tabs back up. Always worked for me.


Trevor