hi, so working on my 37 ford panel that has juice brakes and i need to get the rear drums off. i know vintage precision has a puller but its $175 and while i understand good tools ain't cheap and vice versa, considering i won't be using it that much, is there a reasonable (AKA cheaper) alternative that anyone knows about? thanks
It would help if you posted your general location. There may be someone near you who has one and would lend it to you. If you're close to inland SoCal I have a Vintage Precision puller which I would lend you.
May not be a popular choice, but I used a puller with 3/4 “slots” and rightened the attachments to the hub via the lug nuts. The late 30’s drums I pulled slid right off, the ‘42 rear I did was more pressure on the puller and smacks on the drums.
I got mine at a swap meet, it was more than I wanted to pay but the guy was stubborn. Picked it up for 60 bux IIRC
Those Ford hubs are prone to bending when you use a puller that pulls from the studs. You will see the snout of the hub has a groove in it. Ford intended for those hubs to be removed with a puller that fits in that groove. That is the type of puller you should use.
I use my grandpas that you screw on the axle thread and hit with a large hammer. It's worked for 85 years
The Vintage Precision puller is a good copy of the K R Wilson tool all the old dealerships used for years. If you have time to look through 146 pages, I think there might be a home made puller on this thread that works like the K R Wilson if you can make your own it might be cheaper. https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/home-made-tools-and-equipment.235784
I have one (and made one) like that for a Dodge tapered axle. You would raise the opposite side, and smack on the axle “remover” supposed to pop it loose from the taper. Never tried it though.
Will a Model A puller work? https://www.brattons.com/PROTRUDING-HUB-RING-REAR-WHEEL-HUB-PULLER/productinfo/6150/
There is a Tech thread on building one. I copied the first one in this thread it works very well. https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum...rd-hub-drum-pullers-mostly-home-made.1295530/
Don't cut corners on this or you will be looking for a new axle next. Any chance a local car club has one in the tools they loan? Charlie Stephens
Peter is exactly correct. I found a correct adapter years ago and treasure it. You use a 3 jaw puller and only use two of the Jaws. Any other method is asking for drum damage. I have had that were real bears to remove and was cussing up a storm because it wouldn't budge. An old, retired Ford mechanic was watching me struggle with it and walked over to educate me. He had me reinstall the wheel and tire and jack up the opposite side. With the puller tight on the hub, he rocked the car sideways as I hit the end of the puller. I heard a loud POP and looked at the hub and sure enough, it was loose! Al the rear weight was focused on the one wheel and by rocking it sideways at the same time forced everything to concentrate one that one hub. I learned that lesson in 1970 or 1971 and have used it ever since. Everybody I showed the trick to thought I was nuts until they saw how well it worked.
I have the Vintage Precision puller, but I know a few guys that have this Ebay one. It works albeit not as nicely as the Vintage Precision unit.
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