Re-doing the drums

[byates2]

I'm replacing the brake shoes, and changing the drums from 6 lug to 5 lug

ive never done drum brakes before so i'm wondering if it looks right in the photos.

Also, how do you adjust them, or are they self adjusting??

[70CHEVYBB]

looks good, you just need to start with your adjuster all the way in. Then put the drum on and turn the adjuster out until there is a small amout of drag on the drum when you turn it. Make both sides feel the same and your good.

[byates2]

How do you turn the adjuster out with the drum on?

[byates2]

ive looked and looked and cant find any slots or holes to get to the adjuster once the drum is put on

[Tinkermc]

sounds like how I would do it, the adjuster is the small gear piece at the bottom and there is a slot in the rear to make adjustments.

[byates2]

in the rear? the backing plate? i cant seem to find a slot at all . I know where the gear piece is but it seems solid metal where the piece sits

[WORP67]

Sometimes you have there is a knock out like in a electrical panel then put in a rubber plug.

[byates2]

I have no idea where the slot could be. there is absolutley no slot back there. Are they self adjusting. these are the rear brakes just to clarify if there is a difference from the front

[67c10rustbuket]

I swear there is supposed to be a knock out or plug but I just looked at both my rearends (70 & 72) and neither has a knockout. I was taught to adjust them with the drum off by turning the adjuster until there was a slight friction when putting the drum on then remove the drum and back it off a turn so there was no drag. Then being self adjusting drive in reverse in the driveway and slam on the brakes and this will self adjust them. Thats how I was taught a long time ago by my dad anyway. Anyone else heard of this method?