stuck brake drum

Hello all,

I have a 2002 Express and I can't for the life of me get these stubborn brake drums off. I have jammed them full of PB blaster and wacked at them with a 4lb. hammer and nothing is moving. I'm about to go and buy a map gas torch and heat them up till they jump off. Any other suggestions for getting them off? I shouldn't have to remove the hub to get the brake drum off should I?
Any suggestions would be great. My last option is the old trick of putting the lugs back on a bit lose and driving in circles until I hear them pop off.

Thank you for your time,
Jesse

I forgot to mention that the drum spins freely.... so the brakes are free. The sucker just wont move an inch.
HELP!!!

On my GM vehicle you must use 2 8MM bolts and screw them into the 2 holes in the drum. This forces the bolt into the axle flange and pulls the drum off the axle. I can't remember if the bolts are course or fine thread.

quote:

ORIGINAL: SLJ2137694

On my GM vehicle you must use 2 8MM bolts and screw them into the 2 holes in the drum. This forces the bolt into the axle flange and pulls the drum off the axle. I can't remember if the bolts are course or fine thread.

Where are the holes located? What vehicle do you have that this is the case for?
I really appreciate the help!

My 2002 Chev Tracker uses these holes and if I remember correctly my 2005 Silverado also has these threaded holes. The holes are located approx 1 to 2 inches out from the axle hub that sticks through the drum and are directly opposite each other. I think the 8MM bolts need to be course threaded but as I said I don't remember for sure.

The Tracker is a Suzuki designed vehicle with a Chev badge , so it may have these holes.

My 2000 Express didn't have the holes.
Check the studs to see if there are retaining washers holding the drums on.

i've had to use an air chisel with a blunt chisel, to loosen up some rear drums in the past that had over-heated. sound like this may be the case with yours too.