rear drum to disc conversion

[SBDave]

I'm converting the rear of the car using Dr Diff's Cobra disc conversion.  Just opened the Plymouth Manual and it calls for special tools for compressing springs in the stock drums.  Anyone have any advice for removing these without the special tools?  Also how do I deal with the stock parking brake?  It's a 1973 Barracuda w/stock rear drums on it right now...fyi.

I'm also replacing the inner axle seals, does anyone have any tips on doing that?  I assume just pry the old ones out and use a socket to tap the new ones in to the same depth.

Thanks,
Dave

[Chryco Psycho]

I assume you want to remove the springs for the drum brakes , if you do not care about the springs & why would you you can pop them off with a screwdriver or vice grips ,
I have not done the Dr B+Diff conversion , so I am not familiar with how the parking brake system is handled , I would talk to Cass about that .
use a punch to twist the seal so you can pry it out & you need a driver the diameter of the seal to install the new seal , socket etc would work OK

[Gumby]

The only springs that need compressed on drum brakes are the springs that hold the shoes in position, and the springs up top that keep everything tied to the top center post. Yes, the special tools make it simple. No you don't need them. (you could probably rent from your auto parts store) but, just use vise grips and you will be fine. WEAR EYE PROTECTION! You are working with springs under tension. Shouldn't take 30 seconds to 1 minute at most to remove. No biggie. WEAR EYE PROTECTION.

[brads70]

I just bought a Dana from Cass with the  same rear brakes( 10.7 cobra). I bought the  available e-brake cables for this swap. I think they were $100.