My driver side cylinder is leaking. I'll be changing both cylinders and rear shoes,and I'll be cleaning the drums. Are there any tips to make any of this easier? Any things I should be careful of?

 

Study the cylinders to understand how the clips work: they're easy if you "get it", impossible if you don't. Might want to have 2 new ones just in case.

Other than that, might as well replace ALL the hardware; only costs like $20 or so for the whole enchilada.

Not sure about "cleaning" the drums...

 

For Me, I found fast way to hammer the clips on.. Block of wood between cylinder and axle flange then, First use a 1 1/8" 12 point socket to set the clip, the use a 3/8 drive set on angle to hammer each clip side in place.. Speed bleeders to get the air out...

 

Only remove one side at a time in case you forget how something came apart, use NOTHING but the correct size "Line Wrench" to remove the lines.

Do not "clean" the drums but take them to a shop and have them turned and de-glazed, or just replace them with new, put a dab of grease where the shoes contact the backing plate.....

 

Disconnect the shocks and drop the axle. Almost impossible to work in there without enough room.