I remember there beign a "write-up" that someone did for changing brakes...did that write up entail directions for rear drum brakes?...if not, does anyone have a link or articles on how to do it? Thanks.

 

heres a link, its a ls1 upgrade, but same concept with all rear disc upgrade from drum if its a third gen axle, still need the same type parts, but dont need cutting the axle.

https://www.thirdgen.org/ls1reardisc

 

yikes...ya, i hope cutting the axel isn't part of changing the brakes!

 

Those are for a rear disc conversion, much more involved than you need. Try this link:

AUTOS & BOATS : Brakes : Servicing Drum Brakes : DIY Network

HTH..

Ed

 

Just changing the physical brake shoes is not that hard. (if that is what you are asking)

You will need a shoe spring retainer remover tool and a brake spoon.
Other than that mark on paper what color springs are where and how they are laid out on the shoes/backing plate.

To adjust them after you have them done
have both rear wheels off ground.
put on drum and install wheel loosely (2 lug nuts)
from the back insert an end of the brake spoon and turn the small gear that you see. You will have to double check the directions (up/down) you turn them, I get them confused all the time.

Anyway you spin the wheel while tensioning/turning that gear until you can hear a VERY slight drag, then back it off 1/4 turn.

 

ebmiller88, Thanks for that article!

I was wondering before if the pads could be adjusted so they don't drag on the rotors (or they just slightly drag) so that there would be less rolling resistence...so on the back and fron they can be adjusted?

 

These brakes have self-adjusting shoe mechanisms that assure correct lining-to-drum clearances at all times. The automatic adjusters operate only when the brakes are applied as the car is moving rearward.
Although the brakes are self-adjusting, an initial adjustment is necessary after the brake shoes have been relined or replaced, or when the length of the adjusting screw has been changed during some other service operation.
Frequent usage of an automatic transmission forward range to halt reverse vehicle motion may prevent the automatic adjusters from functioning, thereby inducing low pedal heights. Should low pedal heights be encountered, it is recommended that numerous forward and reverse stops be made until satisfactory pedal height is obtained. If a low pedal condition cannot be corrected by making numerous reverse stops (provided the hydraulic system is free of air) it indicates that the self-adjusting mechanism is not functioning. Therefore, it will be necessary to remove the brake drum, clean, free up and lubricate the adjusting mechanism. Then adjust the brakes as follows, being sure the parking brake is fully released.



Using a suitable punch, knock out lanced area in backing plate or drum. If drum is installed on vehicle when this is done, remove drum and clean brake compartment of all metal. When adjustment is completed, a new hole cover must be installed in the backing plate.
Using brake adjusting tool No. J-6166 or equivalent, turn brake adjusting screw to expand brake shoes at each wheel until wheel can just be turned by hand. Drag should be equal on all wheels.
On all except Camaro, back off adjusting screw at each wheel 30 notches.
On Camaro, back off screw 12 notches.
On all models, if shoe still drags slightly on drum, back off adjusting screw an additional one or two notches.
When adjusting screw has been backed off approximately 12 notches, brakes should be free of drag. Heavy drag at this point indicates tight parking brake cables.
Install adjusting hole cover in brake backing plate.
Check parking brake for proper adjustment.