"Gredda's" Build / WTF / Help Me! Thread

[dieselndixie]

Well, I must be dense....I just cant get it.

I am inserting a screw driver into the access slot. I can see the threaded portion, and the "gear nut" on the end of it. I am trying to move that nut clockwise (if staring down on the nut from its top) which is done by me inserting the flat head into one of the grooves, and moving the handle of the screwdriver from the axle side, pivoting away from the axle.

I assume this is backing the "nut" down the threaded portion, this releasing the brake shoe from being pushed outward. Am I right?

The nut doesnt seem like its moving...it seems more like the nut AND the threaded portion are both moving.

ideas?

 

[Confedneck]

you may need to push against the star wheel fairly hard if you're trying to back the adjustment off, to release the pressure from the anti-reversal bracket

 

[dieselndixie]

ok, so star wheel = what I have been calling a "gear nut" ?

 

[Confedneck]

yessir.





NotRene

 

[dieselndixie]

when you say push against....do you just mean to push it inward while I turn? or should I have another flat head pushing down on the star wheel, while I turn it

 

[Confedneck]

take your screwdriver, and push against the dead center of the star wheel, then ratchet it the way you need to loosen it.. been so long since i messed with drum brakes..

 

[dieselndixie]

I feel like I am pushing very hard....its like its stuck. The screwdriver just "flicks" off of the star wheel and I am afraid I am damaging it. The outer drum just wiggles when I try to remove it. Something is definitely stuck.

also...the outer drum no longer rotates when the u joint is turned. the other side does...and this one used to.

surely I am turning it the right way...the star wheel is up at the top, and I am turnin it "righty tighty" to move the star wheel downward

 

[desertrat67]

I feel like I am pushing very hard....its like its stuck. The screwdriver just "flicks" off of the star wheel and I am afraid I am damaging it. The outer drum just wiggles when I try to remove it. Something is definitely stuck.

also...the outer drum no longer rotates when the u joint is turned. the other side does...and this one used to.

surely I am turning it the right way...the star wheel is up at the top, and I am turnin it "righty tighty" to move the star wheel downward

The star does rest against the spring in there, so it might sound bad or take a lot of pressure to turn it. Those are sturdy little pieces, those stars. Probably not going to hurt it. Might spray some lubricant on it as well just incase it it seized up.

 

[texas4x4rebel]

If you want a magnet in your trans pan find a fill plug with a magnet on the end of it.

Also usually to back the adjustment off I have to tap the screw driver with a hammer and force it loose it has a stopper to keep it from backing off during normal driving your not gonna hurt it.

 

[dieselndixie]

good call!

I will give that a shot tomor...callin it a night. but that must be it. I am just not giving it enough force. I was worried about damaging it.

 

[dieselndixie]

so do I need to have another screw driver in there moving something?

Also, who can confirm what direction I should be trying to turn the star wheel?

Is there any concern that the parking brake situation needs to be messed with?

 

[desertrat67]

I have always used a single screw driver. Never needed to apply any additional pressure.

As for the parking brake, if the cable is connected leave it alone. Adjustments are made farther forward on the cable along the frame where the two cables from the drums meet up.

 

[dieselndixie]

thanks all, i finally got it off. it was a bit stubborn, but once the star wheel budged, it was easy to move.

now, where was the leak coming from? and where does this speedi spleeve go?

 

[texas4x4rebel]

The seal rides about 1 1/2in out from the backing plate I think.

 

[dieselndixie]

well, getting insurance this week, so I can go TRY to have her inspected. took her around the block this weekend, was great to be driving the blazer again.

still need to install the speedi sleeve on the new axles, the weather seems like its asking me to finish the job!

also need to replace the seal on my tcase....i think its the last leak I have....I think!

 

[dieselndixie]

The seal rides about 1 1/2in out from the backing plate I think.

so obvisously I need some sort of pipe or tubing to install it right? the install tool that comes with it seems like there is no way it would work?

 

[chalet2506]

roll of duct tape.

http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=281806

 

[dieselndixie]

BTW, locals....I have a spare 14bff sitting at the house. 4.10 gears. No hubs, drums. Doesnt leak. I got lazy and decided to fix the leak in my current axle (hence all the questions on the speedi sleeve) rather than swap everything into the non leaking one.

PM me if interested...going on craigslist soon as I have time.

 

[dieselndixie]

got to love cheap insurance.....$100 for 6 months on ole GREDDA!

Fingers crossed, I am going to try and get her inspected next weds. Pay no attention to that strong smell of exhaust....damn emissions testing!

 

[dieselndixie]

got the windows back in...decided to just silicone them up and now they dont slide, but atleast they are sealed and not leaking now.

important update...new hood ornament weather is dropping below 100 so I am starting to get back into the project. inspection appointment in 3 days...street legal soon