Don't throw those parts away.

[EldoradoFJ60]

When I opened up the brake hardware kit for my rear drums I had several extra parts. There were two sets of the little "nails" that hold the retaining springs. Neither size fit so I had to use the originals.

The final mystery was the two rubber pieces left in the box. When I opened the kit one of them was lodged between the return spring. I thought it was possibly something stuck in the springs that was to be removed. Turns out they are caps for the back of the dust shield. There is a small window above the axle where you can adjust the brakes from the backside. While browsing the net for a new bellcrank I found the plugs listed for $4 each. Good thing I didn't toss them.

I was looking for a new bellcrank due to heedlessly following what seemed like sound advice. In this Landcruiser brake video the guy recommends removing a metal sleeve that surrounds the lever.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3w_X8rN8-Wk

Turns out one corner of the sleeve is "dovetailed" into the bellcrank. Took me 2 hours of bashing and grinding to get the thing out. Now my bellcrank has 20% less mass. I also managed to puncture my pinky while hitting a screwdriver with a 2.5lb hammer. Takes a lot of force for a flathead to go through your skin. Hurt so bad I started to go into shock.

[Brody]

Having had both drum brakes 'explode' on the trail, locking up the rear wheel, and drum brake parts missing in the kit or missing after having flown across the room, I usually have a little bag of drum brake crap in my trail kit and in the parts bin in the garage.

Thanks for the reminder!

[Java]

damn that sounds like it hurt!! I had my finger closed in a cardoor once and almost passed out from the pain, my finger turned dark at the end, went to the ER which was luckily a block away. the doc drilled a hole in my fingernail to let the blood out, which was pretty cool.

[Heather]

Ew. Finger. Ew. Glad you are okay, glad you caught the stuff before tossing.

[Brody]

Fingers and driver bits are fun. I can't count how many times I have buried a Phillips tip into a finger, gloves or not. Straight tips require a certain talent....:D

Bending fingernails way back is another fine little addition to a day, too. Made easier if you have been working with AT fluid or PS fluid. Chris will attest to this as he did this not too long ago...

[Fordguy77]

Recommend using a pair of vice grips to hold crew drivers when possible to avoid the wonderful puncture. Granted the same thing will problem happen to me by the end of the week

[ColoRaider]

I am surprised I didnt break something when I did the drums. PB blaster has become second nature to me now. I just soak random bolts in it, just in case.