anyone have a good walk-through on replacing brake shoes? I have done plenty of pad replacements, but never shoes. I know they need done on my 91 F150.

thanks,
Vince

 

It is easy, but tricky at the same time. I can only caution you about a few important things, the brake adjuster lever is made of stamped thin metal, buy a new set( 2 pieces total), 6 bucks, left and right side are different, they break when re-installing them if you are not careful. Keep the new set on stand-by, the old ones are fine, but it is good to have a 2nd set of adjustors handy. Remove both tires at the same time, this requires good jack stands.
Pull both drums off, and work on one side at a time, under no circumstances shall you have any part off the left side, if the right is still apart. Mark each pad Driver side front, driver side back, passenger side front and back. The pads are different, they look similar but are just a little bit different. Usually the new front pads on each side is marked with a paint dot, and I believe the front pad is longer in length, don't quote me.
Buy a standard brake kit, they are cheap, years of use and heat cause invisible damage to old springs.
You really need the tools! A combination spring and brake pin removal tool or each tool separately is almost mandatory, unless you are a genius handling the channel-locks and vise-grips. Anti seize grease, the silver stuff is needed, it is good to use on the back of each pad "foot" ( not on the brake lining) and to lube up the spinning part of the ratcheted adjustor.
The real question is''jhow are you gonna get the drums reground while the truck is up on stands? The drums don't always need to be turned but should be measured for maximum inside diameter, should be stamped somewhere.

 

924x2150

that was a very good post.

quick

 

thanks. I have the tools and if I buy a new "hardware kit" should the new brake adjusting levers be part of it?

 

In my experience, the standard spring kits come with all springs(6total?), 4 pins and retaining nuts, possibly new c-clips and washers,
The brake adjustor levers ( kind of Texas State shaped) at the bottom of the brake drum and between the shoes and over the ratchet are sold separate, they are cheap enuf to include in your home inventory as spare parts, but they can break if you are not gentle when attaching the cable to them.

I am not listing any procedures here sorry, but here is another tip.
Carefully inspect the left and right brake cylinder for leakage under the rubber caps, that is where the brake fluid starts leaking sometimes. If you see any oily patches on the brake cylinder that cylinder may need to be replaced, it is a safety issue.