Yep, I'm back with a 3.42/open/drum axle... damn Eaton gov-lock! I'll probably rebuild that axle this summer, though; I put way too much time into the disc brakes to get rid of it.

The Phoenix Injector (http://www.brakebleeder.com) worked great, again! I was able to use the tool to bleed the rear axle while it sat off the car, on jackstands. Then, I just un-plugged my "body" brake line, hooked the rear hose into the body line, and didn't have to do ANY pedal pushing. I can't believe how much time this tool saved me!! Why didn't anyone tell me about it sooner?

Cost of my "aw hell my posi blew up" swap:

3.42/open/drum axle=$100
New rear body-to-axle hose=$30
2 bottles of 80w90 fluid=$8

I'll have to re-do the rear brakes this weekend. I couldn't get the f'ing drums off- and yes, I backed the shoes off as far as I could. I think the drums rusted to the axleshafts- and they won't budge, even after all the penetrant and hammer-whacking. Hopefully some driving around will loosen 'em up.

 

Alright TomP, just which Injector do you have? I could go for one but which one?

 

I bought the V12, with Smart-Pak, and red case. (I couldn't resist the red case!)

I was originally going to get the V12-DIY, but it didn't come with many hookup parts. Then I saw the V12 with 10-pak, then I saw the V12 with SmartPak, and look where I ended up. But man, that tool is -so- worth it. I used to wind up with bottles of used brake fluid all over the place, and still have air in my lines- no more. The worst was benchbleeding my current master cylinder... it took forever- and I could swear I still have air bubbles in the thing.

This summer I'll re-bench-bleed my m/c with the Phoenix Injector. My setup even came with a video! The video they included has a plexiglass master cylinder- a duplicate one of our GM piece- and you can see internally how the air gets trapped! They gave a slick way to bleed the thing so you get all the air out; I can't wait to try it. I'm not sure if the video comes with all V12's, or just the V12 w/SmartPak and red case, but check it out!

 

Tom, if you think driving around will free up your drums your in for a big surprise. Your going to have to work them off or have someone do it for you. If the brake shoes and drums are worn real bad then it's possible that the shoes are so deep into the drum that it's almost impossible to get off, I hope this isn't the case. Anyway if you want to just drive around till the drums loosen up then you'll have to take your wheels off and drive on the drums, works evey time I had the same problem with mine, you just have to keep working them, they'll come off.

Steve