Topic: Rear Drum Brake Issue

[Ranski]

I'm in the process of replacing my rear drums and shoes.  I have the new shoes installed...my problem is that one of the drums won't fit over the shoes.  The other one fits perfectly over the DS shoes and is tight on the PS shoes.

Is this to be expected with non OEM parts.  Should I just go and have the drums turned so that they will fit?

I can't seem to locate a micrometer to measure the OD for the shoes and the ID on the drums.  Is this critical for me to do before they are turned?

[79coyotefrg]

use the star wheel  at the bottom  to  adjust the shoes,  you want it  to just slip over the shoes,   DONT HAVE THEM TURNED

[madhunt]

the only reason you would turn the drums is if you want to get rid of the vibration it causes if the drum is wraped, otherwise do no turn them just reajust the brakes so the drumm will go on.

[Ranski [OP]]

I star wheel is adjusted as far down as it will go.

[DTB]

I star wheel is adjusted as far down as it will go.

...and did it go on??

[Oddmar]

Does the star wheel turn easy, or is it a rusty lump of iron oxide like all mine? The guys are prolly right, though...the only other thing i can think of is brakes for an '84 are smaller than brakes for an '88. Did you get the right brake parts?

The hassle of working on the Toyota drum brakes is why i'm changing mine to disk brakes. That, and the fact the disk brakes will work long after the drums are full of mud and rust.

[Ranski [OP]]

It is adjusted all the way down and the drum still won't go on.  Also this is a complete rebuild on the axle so the adjuster is clean and well lubed and spins freely and I am rebuilding the brakes with all new springs...so everything should be good and tight.

According to the parts number on the box, the drums are identical.  Drum #1 fits perfectly over the PS shoes and is VERY tight on DS shoes.  Drum #2 won't fit over either side.  This is leading me to believe I have a drum that wasn't manufactured to spec.

[Oddmar]

Can you return the drums and get a different set?

[madhunt]

did you callapse the wheel cylinder after you adjusted the star wheel, to make sure everything was colapsed down to the right size.  check the casting numbers on the drum itself to see if you have two of the same drums??

[Ranski [OP]]

check the casting numbers on the drum itself to see if you have two of the same drums??

Checked the casting number and they do match up.  This is sooo frustrating...I have been working on the build for a year now and I'm near the end.  I certainly didn't anticipate the brakes giving me troubles.

[BUBBA]

I would take the drums back and exchange them

[Stinky]

wat happens with that drum setup is the shoes sit inside the edge of the drum, n they wear it down leave a lip, which is a pain in the ASS to get the drum off...and when putting them back on w/ that lip, it takes forever to adjust the shoes after they get opened up to clear the lip....so take it to aprts store of if u know someone w/ a brake lathe, n have them cut the first 1/4" of the drum down....that way when it wears down, theres no lip and it comes off wayyy easier.....