I loosened my emergency brake cables completely; adjusted the star adjusters as loose as possible; used a regular hammer to hit the drum on the outside of the brake surface while putting some prying pressure on the back of the drum with a large screw driver .... and they popped off into my lap ... literally.
 
I've since been advised that it is a very bad idea to put prying pressure on the drum inside surface, by sticking the screw driver between it and the steel backing plate as it can be bent/damaged/warped and that can have adverser effects on its function. Fortunately, I did not bend or damage mine.
 
bob
'87 Syncro Westy> > During the engine/transmission swap on my 87 Westy, I figured I'd re-do the rear brakes. So, Alex and I removed the retaining bolts on the rear drums, but they appear to be "frozen" on to the rear axle hubs. > > Any suggestions on how to "pop" the drums from the hubs?> > Thanks in advance.> > Ric
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