emergency brake stuck 1981 FJ40

[Wadesters]

Hello, I am doing a frame off restoration on a 1982 fj40. Now that the body is off I am addressing the emergency brake problem. It is completely stuck and is not the cable. This is the later style emergency brake. About to take the rear drums off but just wondering if since it is all one unit if I start by replacing the rear wheel cylinders.

 

[Mace]

It's a mechanical system and not really related to the wheel cylinders. But they probably need replacement anyway..

Is the brake siezed "on" or it does not move when you try to pull it? It looks like it's siezed in the "on" position. You might need to take a 10lb sledge to get the drums off!!!

 

[Tin basher]

LQuite common on the mini trucks. Use the same set up aluminum casting with a steel arm and pin through it
Pull the rubber boot back and use your favourite
Flavour of penetrating oil tapping on arm with hammer till you get it to release
Or it will be next to impossible to get drum off

 

[SuperDuperCruizer]

I've had a couple pickups... an 83 and a 79. Both of them had seized bell cranks. The aluminum and steel lever were fused together. Took some persistence to break them free (spray, tap w/hammer, let sit, repeat). Once you have the arm moving freely, lube it with some grease to keep it from seizing up again. The rubber boot & bell crank were available new as of the fall of 2016.