TJ 230 transfer case/ brakes disassembly help

[madmari]

I took off the brake drum on a TJ 230 due to a grease leak and I'd like to replace the seal. There are 5 studs w 3/4" nuts holding on the brake plate that are overly tight. I can't budge them with a ratchet- are they left hand thread? I can put a pipe over the ratchet for more torque, but don't want to break the studs. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

[rick f]

can you clean it up then put the heat to it.

[doghunter]

i agree with rickf
also its a lot easier to put all the brake springs and shoes on at home on a work bench with the brake plate removed from the machine just my opinion from my experience
doghunter

[bushmechanic]

Another good trick when heating is not an option is to get a punch and hammer the flat sides of the nut,this will stretch the metal and in turn loosen the nut.If is a larger nut don't be afraid to hit it hard. 

[logging22]

Have 3 TJ skidders with the same brake setup. Put brakes on them frequently (the help is hard on brakes). I have never broken a stud or stripped a nut on them. Just put a little more on it with a pipe or impact. Shouldnt hurt.

[madmari]

Got it off and back together. Brakes are working good. Put in a new (National) seal. It looks like a lot better seal than the Chicago Rawhide seal I took off.
  The whole problem was caused by a loose main shaft nut- caused play in the shaft and eventual seal failure.
Thanks for the help!