Rear Brake rebuild?

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Moab-MoparKid

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I am in need of rebuilding the brakes on my 8 1/4 rear end and I have never done this before so I am curious on what is the best way or place to get all that I need to put them back together.
 
Generally, the hold down hardware such as springs do not need replacing unless something is broken. However, the hardware kits are so cheap, it's still a good idea.

First, I recommend you get a factory service manual for your car. Not Chiltons, Not Haynes, but factory Chrysler. I prefer them in print, but you can download them as well.

Secondly, disassemble and reassemble ONE side at the time. This way, you have one side to use as a guide if you need to know where something goes. Drum brakes are very simple once you understand how they work. The best way to learn is to jump in and do it.
 
Thank you. I'll definitely do one at a time looks like things could get a little confusing lol

The 8 1/4 is going into the car replacing the 7 1/2. One side was all good but the other seemed to be run to the ground. Brake shoes were ground down to metal and ate a lot of the drum. Really had a hard time just getting it off and in the process bent some things.....:(
 
The proper spring tools will make a huge difference too.
Some members have put pics of their assembly up here and so we can point out whats wrong.
Better safe than sorry, or better no go than no stop.
 
I have to disagree. If a previous owner/shade tree mechanic had put the parts together wrong, the sample is corrupt. Factory service manual is the best advise. First/best tool too.
 
all above advice is the proper way to go about it. one other thing that might help you is after you get the drums off is spray it with some brake cleaner and before you start to disassemble whip out that cell phone and snap a couple of pictures of both sides
 
This happened to me on my new to me '89 d250, some yahoo had put the same self-adjuster on both sides. One side would adjust normally one would loosen!!
So yeah a service manual and take photos of both sides before you touch anything! And drum brake tools aren't expensive and make the job a lot easier, get some!
I have to disagree. If a previous owner/shade tree mechanic had put the parts together wrong, the sample is corrupt. Factory service manual is the best advise. First/best tool too.
 
You know,if the shoes and drums are the same size/bolt pattern you may be able to pull the axles and swap the backing plates from one axle to another.
I've not done this with the small axle, but have swapped between 9-1/4 and 8-3/4 with no problem.
I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong!
 
Sorry for the delay everyone. Thanks for all the advise it has and will continue to help me in this process as I haven't yet put the brakes back together (hopefully tomorrow night). I got everything I need to replace all the old with new parts. I have taken my pictures to look back on as I do one side at a time. Wish me luck lol
 
The digital camera is a great tool. Take lots of pictures anytime you disassemble anything. Pereferably before disassembly...as well as during and after.:D
 
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