Posting for a friend who doesn't use computers. He has a 1965 Dodge D100 pickup and is trying to remove the rear hubs but can't seem to find a way to do so. He heard that you have to take apart the differential and release some sort of clamp inside but that seems a little off to him and to me. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Question...does his trucks' differential have a rear access cover? That will help.

 

Yes it does, is there a clamp in there that must be unhooked to release the hubs?

 

If that is the original diff, think you will see a big nut on the end of the axle. The axle is tapered and keyed and that nut pulled it altogether. You need a puller, and a good one to get that drum off. You could make something if you can weld. Piece of channel, three legs and a substantial fine threaded bolt about 1" or so.

Even if you could disengage that axle (you can't, nothing to release) from inside, it still would not come out. Because, that backing plate that holds the brake shoes is bolted to the end of the housing (from inside) and keeps the wheel bearing (press fitted to the axle) in place.

There used to be online info but could not find anything. Guys at pilothouse.com no doubt had this come up a few times. If you reach a dead end send me a PM, and I'll tell you how we used to get them off without a puller.