As promised------ problem was solved by redoing the rear brakes. I had not touched them initially because they had been redone recently(in terms of miles) and they were not worn significantly but I suspect a hold down spring had come unhooked since that drum was a bear to remove. Replaced the shoes and hardware as a matter of principle.

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Willie White
1980 300SD 116
82 D engine and transmission
If something can go wrong--it will