Hopefully this is the last big challenge of this operation but any tips for getting the worm drive out? The TM says "tap" it with a rawhide mallet. I don't have one of those. I bounced a rubber mallet off it a few times and then switched to a BFH with a piece of 2x4 in between to cushion the blow. I have not budged it a millimeter, as far as I can tell. It looks like maybe someone has installed the bearings with RTV / silicone or something.
It seems counter-intuitive to be hammering on the worm drive before the drum shaft gear is removed, but that's what the TM says. Also I've tried pulling out the drum gear ass'y and it won't come out, I guess until the worm drive is loose enough to lift up off of it and disengage it.
Any advice appreciated. Still waiting to hear from White Owl about the brake band, too.