brake drum removal

[jblueridge]

I can't get the brake adjuster wheel to spin to back the brakes off so I can remove the drum.
I am pushing the adjuster's lock lever away with a 2nd screwdriver but I am still fighting tension that is against the star wheel. It is as if the lock lever is not disengaging.
I pushed the lever very hard and wacked the screwdriver with a small hammer but that did nothing but make me feel a little better.

Ideas?

 

[unklwedy]

Using a rubber hammer, beat on th right side of drum, whilst prying with screwdriver on other side. Switch sides and repeat a few times, should come off after a struggle.

 

[Squash]

Check the drum for two threaded holes, may have rubber caps.
The deal is to thread two 8mm? bolts into holes to help pull the drums.
Do this gently and together in order not to bind. If stuck loosen hammer and try again.

 

[jblueridge]

Thanks guys. I started last night with the prying and tapping. This morning I used long 8mm bolts to do the separating. I can hear the shoes and stuff being pulled as the drum moves outward. Hammering does not help.
I bet there's a lip or ridge to the drum that's catching pretty badly. Thus the need to back the adjuster off.

 

[Squash]

One side turns cw the other cc

 

[jblueridge]

The Mighty Manual says clockwise but I don't know what else it could be at this stage.
Thanks.

 

[jblueridge]

Yeah, Squash was right. CCW.
Thanks Squash!

 

[OGBeno]

BFH when in doubt always with Toyota Land Cruisers.

 

[ozcrusier]

Drill the two pins holding the shoes with the coil spring and twist top hat and you may need longer 8mm bolts to clear the slave cylinders. Also drain the brake fluid as the shoes may still move if your lucky.
Good Luck and if that fails get a bigger hammer.

 

[jblueridge]

I was happy to find that the brake hardware is fairly new; plating still evident. Wheel cylinders have some rust but rubber outer seals are very good. I'm putting new shoes on as they are already at hand.