Please help!! front right brake (drum) dragging

[70ChevyCST]

1970 Chevy CST-10 1/2 ton 350, automatic, 6 lug-4 way drums... I've replaced the master cylinder, both front wheel cylinders and both front brake hoses. I've adjusted the brakes any and every way I can. I cannot get my right front brake to stop dragging. It's blazing hot every time I take it out for an extended drive. I think it's dragging to the point where it's actually readjusting itself tighter..Is that possible? The brake pedal rises as it heats up and after it's hot the truck pulls to the right when brakes are applied. I know what I'm going to hear from you all...do the front disc conversion!...but that will take me down for the summer. I plan on doing the conversion but I'd like to wait until winter.....I want to get this fixed now so I can enjoy my truck for the rest of this summer and fall. Any ideas appreciated...Thanks, Bob

[jkeady]

Stupid question, but you didn't specify: did you replace the springs in the brake mechanism on that side?

[oldgold70c10]

The secret to good straight braking with front drum is getting the adjuster mechanism working, and having your wheel bearings properly adjusted. That later part accounted for most of my pull problems, and if getting them adjusted right means replacing a bearing, then do it.

As for the brakes dragging, check that you got the shoes on correctly, shoe with short lining on front, long lining on rear, adjuster mechanism on rear shoe, and the springs installed right. Pull on the shoes and see that they return to their rest position on the stud above the wheel cylinder. I think a spring kit at NAPA is only $10, and it does both sides, is good peace of mind. Also check that the push rods coming out of the wheel cylinder are seated on the shoes properly (also check you didn't get a defective cylinder that binds). Check the backing plates where the shoes rub, and make sure there are no gouges or grooves that the shoes could be hanging up in.

[70ChevyCST]

I just bought the truck and I'm finding out little by little that the guy that worked on it previously was quite a HACK....The front brake springs have not been replaced recently (they look old) and that was my next course of action because that's all there's left to do up there. I guess I didn't think the springs were worn out because I had them off to replace the wheel cylinders. They seemed like they were still doing their job because they were giving me some trouble getting them back in place. I'll check the wheel bearings too...didn't even give them a thought...I'll definitely check the long shoe/short shoe orientation...Thanks for all the tips...I sure do appreciate it.

Bob