The Ford Econoline van series, also known as the E-Series van, is featured in three different sizes; half-ton, three-quarter ton and 1 ton. Rear drum brakes used to come standard on the older vans, but now they may feature rear disc brakes as well. No matter what the size of the Econoline van, removing the rear drum employs the same procedure, however, the size of the drums will be smaller for the half-ton and larger for the three-quarter and 1-ton vans.
Do not apply the parking brake as this will lock the brake shoes to the rear drums and prevent the removal of the drums.
Crack the rear lug nuts loose a quarter using the lug nut wrench before lifting the van.
Raise the rear axle with a car jack and support the axle onto two jack stands on either side of the differential.
Remove the lug nuts from the lug studs and then remove the rear wheels.
Try to pull the drums off the shoes first by hand. If the drum is stuck to the wheel hub by rust and corrosion, spray penetrating lubricant around the circumference of the drum-to-hub connection and allow it to soak in for 10 minutes or so.
Use the dead-blow hammer to strike the drum between the lug studs. Be careful not to accidentally hit the studs and mar the threads. Spin the drum and continue striking it until it shocks free from the hub.
Try to pull the drum off by hand again once the drum is free from the hub. If it does not want to come off, it's most likely due to the shoes being hung up on an inside lip or ridge of the drum.
Locate the adjustment portal on the backside of the backing plate at the bottom. Remove the rubber plug (if applicable) and insert a screwdriver to move the brake shoe adjusting lever off the brake adjuster screw.
Use the brake adjusting spoon to turn the star-wheel adjuster screw. It will turn both ways, so you'll have to feel if the drum(s) are getting tighter or looser and then record which way on each side so you can reverse the procedure when it comes time to replace the drums. Adjust the brakes by turning the star-wheel adjuster until it allows you to remove the drum.
