hello,


while this question is not for a 3rd gen(i used to own one) it is still for a Chevy.

The Chevy in question is an 88 1/2 ton pickup with 4 wheel drive. I bought this car for cheap at auction, and although their isn't much surface or frame rust, their is a LOT of coponent rust under the car, so im sure is sat for a long long time.

the problems are many... here are just a couple:


I can't get the drums off. It is not because they are adjusted to tight, the drum turns freely. in fact, it is odd, but there is nowhere to adjust the brakes, just a hole on the side but all i can see are the shoes. I have sprayed liquid wench, beat with a hammer, pried with a pry bar, everything. I have done this procedure to many many cars and have never had this problem. When I pry with a pry bar the whole drum flexes around the area of the hub, but it just won't give. It's like the drum and the hub and rusted together. is their any hope? does it need to be removed with a torch? what gives?

the other major setback I am having is the u-joint.

it is about to break.
Its so bad it has about a centimeter of play in it. It is the rear u-joint. I'm sure I can get the u-joint out, but do I need a press to put the new one in? I have put one in before without a press, I used a hammer. this was when I was younger and on a Ford( i hate fords) but currently this is the only car I have, and have absolutley no way of getting help if I take it apart and run into trouble, as I am in a fairly remote area in the county, and the nearest parts store is 15 miles away. No buses or friends to give me a ride.

so how do I do this stuff.
I have basic tools, and have done all this stuff in the past, I am no stranger to working on cars, but this particular situation baffles me.

I hate the thought of spending lots of money I can't afford to have someone else fix it, but if I have to I will.

thanks in advance

Joshua