just an update for heyyou after this weekend, I still had no luck pounding on the drum to get it off. So I put the tire back on, called a buddy and drove it to his shop where there is a torch. We heated that drum around the studs still nothing. Tried slide hammer, no luck. We drove all the studs in a little bit to eliminate that problem, still nothing. Then we heated around the studs again to where it was really effing hot, gave it a few smacks and she finally broke loose. Holy hell that drum was on there. I took the passenger wheel off and it only took 2 hits to get that drum off, go figure. Anyways, got both sides outfitted with new shoes, cylinders, adjusters and new hardware, just waiting on the drums to get done being turned. Then we'll tackle the issue of that proportioning valve and the abs/brake light. Thanks for your insight so far! I'll keep you updated.

 

Sometimes you are the bug, sometimes you are the windshield. Yeah, they can occasionally be a right pain in the ****.

 

got the drums turned for $20, put them on, bled the brakes and all is well. No lights on anymore, pedal feels more solid but still could be better (going to check front pads one of these days) but for now I'm happy that I have smooth braking power again. Thanks hey you for all your help! Now I can start saving for a red head steering box and new front end parts to tighten that steering up, and a whole list of other goodies to slap on it.

 

Make sure the rears are adjusted up good. (rear brakes control pedal height) If the pedal feels a bit soft, flush the system really well. (probably wouldn't hurt anyway. if you haven't do it already.)