Thanks Bill, Doing my boat trailer brakes today will get to the truck later this week. Need all the info I can get.

 

Can the rear wheel cylinder be replace without removing the rear brakes? I looked at the brakes and I doubt it. Now I dont know how these brakes come apat. I have done the brakes on my cars, but the trucks are a whole different beast.

 

I've also place a small sheet of heavy kitchen plastic wrap like Glad wrap across the top of the resevoir and replaced the cap. This creates a vacuum that won't let the brake fluid drain out. Just don't forget to take it off when done.

Paul

 

I did one side once using a pair of spring stretching pliers, open when you squeeze, to wedge the top of the shoes apart. It worked fine but took longer than just removing the springs, you end up fighting the springs the whole time. In the meantime the brake fluid goes drip, drip, drip...

 

When I replaced mine, I pulled the springs off and was able to spread the shoes without taking them off. I then installed the new cylinders, opened the bleeder, then put the springs on. Once fluid started coming out I closed the bleeders and the pedal is fine.
Tom