As a general rule, both rear brake drums have to be changed at the same time to achieve a symmetrical braking. This can be done by first applying the front wheels chocks,then, unlocking the handbrake, and finally engaging first gear or the parking gear. Loose the bonnet nuts for the wheel, lift the rear of the car and place it on supports, before finally, removing the correct back wheel of the car. The next step is to unscrew the dust cap located at the center of the drum and to remove the retaining nut, to do which, high quality, properly fitting tools are to be preferred because the nut is usually very tight, while paying attention to personal safety. The driveshaft/hub nut is of a special laminated design and should not be reused more than four times; it advisable to mark the nut each time it is removed; if the nut needs to be replaced a new nut should be obtained. If the other brake or suspension parts are to be inspected or replaced without the removal of a drum, the wheel spindle bolts on the back of the backing plate must be unscrewed and the drum together with the spindle exposed as a single unit. In the event that the drum can be removed without much force, ensure that the parking brake cable is fully slack, get a suitable puller and draw the drum and the bearing assembly off the stub axle. After completing the removal of the brake drum, clean the dust from the drum, brake shoes, wheel cylinder and back plate, to eliminate the dust containing asbestos using the brake cleaner or alcohol but it is advisable not to inhale the dust. As for the inside, the internal friction surface of the brake drum should be clean, free of scoring or cracks; if it is cracked, deeply scored, or worn beyond the maximum diameter, it should be replaced with the drum on the opposite side. It is important however to note that regrinding the brake drum be done, or even considered. If the wheel bearings were damaged during drum removal they should be replaced if necessary. The installation process is done in the reverse order of the removal process and they make sure that all bolts especially those of the brake system are tightened to the required torque before they test the brakes properly and then get the car back to normal use.
Posted by FordPartsGiant Specialist 
