I took my rear brake drums off to inspect the shoes. Now, I can't get the drums back on as they hit the shoes. How do I get the shoes retracted to put the drums back on? HELP!

 

I got my drums back on the same way I got them off, bfh. Granted my car also sat for the better part of 11 years, but just try hitting it on with a hammer, just not so hard you would dent the drum, unless your shoes popped out or something. But chances are you will have to fight it a little bit.

 

hammer, or more less a rubber mallet

 

Spin the adjuster back a bit so the shoes can get closer and push the shoes together. Once the drum is back on readjust them.

 

It takes ALOT of adjustment on the adjuster to get much movement on the shoes - but this is the proper way. Using a BFH could bust the shoe pads or break the drums.

 

I found that the shoes were out of alignment. I did a little adjusting and a few "gentle" taps with a hammer and everything popped back into place. Thanks for all of the advice. I really appreciate the help!