Hi, I am having problems removing the rear drums. Using a heavy duty puller I can't get them to budge.Is there a special way to pull them? I notice what appears to be a key way and key on the axle stub,does that have anything to do with it? Any advice would be appreciated.

I'm in Delaware. If you are close/East Coast, I have the correct tool. Best tool for this job. Let me know...

Thanks for the offer. I'm in Portugal :) Job completed

Yes, I saw your location after I posted. Great to hear the job is done.

I had the same problem on a 122, only worse. Someone had installed the drum without the square key, so the drum had spun on the tapered axle. It was galled so badly it wouldn't budge, even with the proper puller, heat, penetrating oil, hammering, cussing & praying. Finally had to cut the drum in half with a grinder & recip saw. Fortunately I had another drum & axle. Be sure to use anti-seize compound when re-assembling. Normally the proper puller will do its job. Good luck.

What type of "heavy duty" puller are you using?

You MUST use a puller that pulls on the studs - not the outside of drum.
You will ruin the drum if you use an outside puller.

There are not a lot of "tricks". Just an even pull with a proper puller.
Yes, it sometimes takes a lot of force. I usually spray the center with penetrant. Have even used a bit of heat in coordination with the proper puller on occasion.
--
"Differences of opinions should be tolerated, but not if they're too different' - Sharon Craig

...else the next posting of yours we see will be you asking where you can get a new drum (or two).

Link to my collection of info on this subject: http://www.sw-em.com/Brake_Drum_Notes.htm

Cheers

I just went through this with my 62 544...I have many cars with the Spicer style axle and this one about whipped me also. I used my heavy duty puller, a 5 foot cheater bar to preload the hub as much as possible...I am not an advocate of hitting the drum and never the end of the removing tool for damage to the thrust block can occur...I did use two propane torches, one either side of the hub and after about 8 minutes on one side it popped off and on the other it took only about 5 minutes of heat. This is the only recommendation I can make as I do not think hitting the drum is wise..good luck...