[Bob Carriere]

....they are not rusted.

It is npot unusual to have to release the brake adjustments to remove the drums..... however it must be a headache if you can't reach the adjusters.

Rusted is the worst...... guys at the barn will vouch for that. We had to use the torches to expend the drums and free the rust weld between the linings and the drum.... they were bone dry and filled with bees nest and cob webs.

For the cost and sake of your safety consider new lining even if they look thick and new..... you will never soak all the oil out of the linings. If you are lucky the seal is the same easy to find part...... do not go by part number but by dimensions. If you have a hard time finding them in Goderich I will look them up for you.

Which brings me to the fact that oil should not be dripping from the axle unless it was way over filled or you may have worn out inner seals. Drain that axle before you do anything else.... just remember to refill next Spring when you get ready to drive it...... you will have to remove the brake plate to see if that particular axle does have the inner seals.

If you go with new front linings bring your drum in to have them arced so they will mate perfectly with the new surfaced drum...... if they ask you what is the minimum the drums can be turned...tell them not to worry and remove just enough to get a clean surface.... those drums are way thicker than modern stuff.

How were the seals on the real axle.....?

I hope you have strong arms when that drum releases...... we have copied Phil W. and suspend our brake drums with a wide cargo strap attached to the overhead crane....makes re-installing a lot easier and reduces chances of damaging the new seals.... I know the rear ones are really heavy.

Keep us informed of your tribulations....

Bob C