handbrake dragging!

[markil]

my handbrake has never worked well so i decided that i'd get it working. when i lifted the rear of the car up i started it up, put it into gear and let the clutch out, when i pushed the clutch back in the rear wheels stopped spinning instantly, like i hit the brakes too. also when i change gear when driving along it clunks because of this same reason.
i tryed to open up the handbrake this morning, i got removed the tailshaft but had trouble with the main nut on the back of the handbrake (23mm i think) i couldn't get it to budge. i figured that if i can get this open i may find the problem. i sprayed wd spray on it a few times but can't get it to move.
any tips or advice on what to do or what's wrong with it? i was thinking it may just be worn brake shoes?

[greg]

I don't know if i'm thinking of the same nut on the x-fer case - but a few people here talk about taking their x-fer cases to a mechanic with a rattle gun to get some of those nuts off.

I gather it is a narrow track right?

[skippy]

I don't know if i'm thinking of the same nut on the x-fer case - but a few people here talk about taking their x-fer cases to a mechanic with a rattle gun to get some of those nuts off.

I gather it is a narrow track right?

you should have an inspection hole on the "drum' that you are trying to remove from the back of your xfer. this may have a small plastic disc covering that can be popped out with a flat head screw driver.

jack up the rear end and rotate it by hand (with the handbrake level set to the down position inside the zook).

the inspection hole will allow you to view your pads as well as the two adjustment screws.

before spending heaps of time trying to crack that nut on the back of the xfer I would look through the inspection hole. if need be, play with the adjustment screws and back them off so the drum moves a little easier.

[markil]

greg, it is a narrow track, and i just tried a rattle gun on it but had no luck.

skippy, thanks i had already backed off one of the adjusters, i didn't know there was two of them. i backed off the second one and that was the problem. it is now spinning much better.

Now is there a proper procedure to adjust the handbrake so it works properly without causing too much excess friction? ie. how do i adjust it? with the lever up or down, adjust both the adjustment screws the same?