Self Adjusting rear brakes

[chevykevy]

I have a 68 6 lug rear that doesn't appear to have the self adjusting mechanism in it. Can I add the self adjusting kit to them?

[qksilver]

Does it have a slot to adjust it when the wheel is on, it should. You would need all the hardware or a way to match up what you have with what you need

[84_4x4]

im not at expert but if you wanted to go to junk yard and pull backing plate and brake hardware of any gm truck with same size drum and they should mount in fairly painlessly im pretty sure this will work can anyone else confirm it for me or prove me wrong

[chevykevy]

The backing plaes don't have an inspection or adjusting hole

[Longhorn Man]

it originally had the seff adjusters.
You can get everything you need at napa.... actually, there may be a trip to the junk yard too, but you can get a photo while you're there and see how it all goes.
the slot is in the drum on these, not on the backing plate. The problem is some of the junk aftermarket drums don't have the hole, nor the groove for the spring.

[JimKshortstep4x4]

Here is a picture of the rear brake assemblies that was posted by a member some time ago. There is not a lot to the self adjusting parts and you should be able to add them with no problem.

Jim

[Bob Moore]

chevykevy - My 72 truck rear brakes have the slot in the drum not in the backing plate. You may have to knock out the tab with a punch if it has not already been done. Look for a faint oval outline near the edge of the drum.

[mrein3]

Originally Posted by JimKshortstep4x4

Here is a picture of the rear brake assemblies that was posted by a member some time ago. There is not a lot to the self adjusting parts and you should be able to add them with no problem.

Jim

FYI, for all your first time brake drum mechanics, the brakes in the picture are exactly what you would see if you are standing on your head. On the truck the adjusters are on the bottom.

And as Bob Moore pointed out, you may have to punch out the knock-out for the oval to adjust the brakes. (Again for you first timers, you need to adjust the brakes manually after you install a new set of shoes.)

[Longhorn Man]

standing on your head...
You're right thoguh, they are upside down.

[ghetto_superman]

whats the point of the springs that go on the outside of the drum? i got the aformentioned new 'crap' drums that dont have the adjuster slot or the spring groove.. it doesnt matter much cause im upgrading to disc rears soon.. but im just curious...

[Longhorn Man]

harmonics mostly. The drums may ring a little without them.
Added cooling is another reason... but minimal advantage is seen from the spring in this department.

[ghetto_superman]

gotcha- thanks!