Rusted-on rear drum removal

Just got a '95 C2500 but I'm unable to remove the rear drums...they won't budge so I'm pretty sure they aren't getting hung up on the brake shoes...probably rusted to the axle flange. Ideas on how to remove them? I've read that heating with a torch helps. I've also read that banging on it with a mallet might work, but am afraid of damaging the bearings. Thanks for the help!

As an aside, my Camry has threaded holes through the drum that I can screw bolts into to pry it off a rusted flange. Has anyone considered doing this to their truck drums?

Smack it with a hammer. The hammer of choice is a nice big snap-on dead blow hammer. You aren't going to hurt anything. If you have any doubts sit outside a brake shop and watch them take off the drums. They smack em hard. Start in the center and work your way to the outside. Then wack it from the side while rotating the drum (not quite as hard but still a firm hit). One way or another it will pop.

Hammer whacking is first step. Often this works, but many times it is not enough.

If hammer does not work, I will immediately shorten the brake adjuster. This moves the shoes inward. Sometimes on worn systems the shoes will wear into the drums quite significantly and there will be a noticeable ridge on the outer edge of the drum. The shoes will get hung up on this ridge and will make drum removal virtually impossible.

My last resort, after hammer-whacking and reducing the adjuster, is to get out the oxy-acetylene torch. I will use a medium heating tip and apply heat to the drum, right around the axle flange. Move the torch in a circular motion and use some gentle hammer-whacking as you apply heat - eventually the drum will be released from the flange.

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I agree with SS
Just try soaking it with penetrating oil once Before you take the smoking wrench to it!
When it comes time to reinstall it PLEASE coat the hub with antisieze paste.
Then next time it will come right off.
Good luck!

same thing with my blazer happened, heat it up and knock it out with a hammer. it took about 20 minutes for both sides. two people are recomended