KK Parking Brake - Problem replacing the Springs

[GlasgowGrip]

I've replaced the parking brake shoes/springs/hardware on my KJ with little difficulty in the past, so I didn't expect the KK to be much different. Same principle of operation (drum in hat or whatever they call it) on the KK parking brakes, but...

There is an extra spring on the KK as compared to the KJ, and I'm having one heck of a time getting it installed.

Does anyone have an installation procedure that shows how to get the spring on the inboard side of the shoes installed? It's driving me crazy, I must be doing something in the wrong order... or is there a special tool or something? Or do I need to stretch the spring to some extreme length? Or is this why some people say you need to pull the axle, to give you enough clearance?

Another thought, is it because I'm trying to reuse the old rusty springs? Do I need to bite the bullet and buy the springs/hardware kit?

Thanks!

 

[GlasgowGrip]

So I did go buy the new spring/hardware kit, and managed to get it back together. The new springs were *just barely* easier to work with. But... what a PITA that design is. Pulling the axle would definitely make it easy to access everything, but who the heck wants to pull axles just to replace brake shoes?? Again, what a PITA that design is.

 

[LibertyTC]

Happy to hear you got it re-assembled with the new spring kit.
By chance did you get any photos of where the extra spring was located?
Oh how I wish we had a proper searchable pdf factory service manual for the KK's.

 

[LONGJEEPOWNER]

I to did a brake job on my 2010 KK. I had to beat the rear rotors off because of the ring that developed on the outside of the e brake. Just as I suspected I had to buy a e brake hardware kit and replace the retaining pins. I went ahead and replaced the springs also. I had a hard time with them but with a little perseverance and sweat I got them on. I had the shoes in all the way and they still would not go past the ring of rust.
All 4 rotors and pads are new so I won't have to worry about them for a while.