The drum is held in by the outer nut on the drum cover, that holds the rubber seal that covers the hole the axle goes through. There is only the gasket on the drum cover, and the seal that rotates with the axle. The drum should slide off the splines when you have the cover and nut off, sounds like it is really rusted up, a few taps with a mallet may free it up, maybe drip a little penetrating oil on the splines the drum slides on to help break it loose. Once you get it apart, just wire brush it all clean, spray it down with some brake cleaner, and reassemble, put a very light film of Anti sieze on the splines , dont want to get any on the brake shoes !!, make sure your gaskets are in place to keep water and mud out, and you should be back in business. The previous owner probably did some deep water crossings and didnt clean out the drum area and let it get all rusted up.

 

Thanks,headed back out to try again. Btw, it looks like I am missing Number 38 and 39 in this diagram.

Suzuki ATV Parts 2003 LT80 REAR WHEEL Diagram

 

That would explain all the rust you are seeing, without the axle seal and the cover gasket, not much to stop mud and water from getting in there, get those parts and seal it up to keep it working after you clean and fix it !!

 

Well,I got it off. Unfortunately I broke the drum and the durn plate the cover screws into. I was applying leverage against the back of the drum and broke a third of it off.

I could use the drum and brakes from the old axle but the broken housing isn't good. I could still attach it all back but I would be a couple screws short. Would JB weld work on that aluminum housing or whatever that material is?

I,ll upload a pic to show what broke.

Here it is. Think I could JB weld it or if I can't do you think it would work the way it is?

 

Sorry to hear that, maybe a little heat applied to the brake drum with a small torch would have expanded it and broke it loose from the rust, along with some penetrating oil. I wouldn't JB weld any of those parts, either find some good used ones on eBay, or order some online from one of the many parts stores you can google. Do it right, and you shouldnt have to worry about messing with it for a long time.

 

Ya, you need a new carrier.