66 stock front brake drums
 

is it ok to separate the drum from the hub, and leave it installed like that, or does it need to be that way, does it affect the balance

Yes it’s ok. In fact, when you buy new front drums you have to take the hub out of the old drum and use it with the new drum. New drums used to come with retainer clips to go over the wheel studs to hold the drum on the hub.

yes thank you, i took care of the original drum to new drum issue, i left it separated, if thats ok, so next please excuse the dumb question, i have access to a set of 15" 8 lug wheels and drums, is it possible to use rear 8 lug drums on the front if the hub is separated as well

I think 8-lug front drums include the hub, but I don't know if we are talking about the same thing.

James Q

the front bolt on to the spindle wondering if there the same front and back

No, rears bolt to the axle via the five lug nuts.

James Q