I removed mine when I had the body off the chassis so everything was easier to get at. If the spring pins are stuck when you remove the cotters, you might have to remove not only the drums, but the hubs as well to get at the back of the pin and knock it out.
On the plus side though, my springs pretty much just pulled out with a bit of wiggling once the bolts and shackles we're out.
On the plus side though, my springs pretty much just pulled out with a bit of wiggling once the bolts and shackles we're out.