Outcome, in case anyone is interested: 9 inch drum brakes do not use the pushrods. The wheel cylinder pushes directly on the shoe. Hard to believe I've never encountered 9 inch brakes on a Mopar until now. Oh well, you learn something new every day, as they say. My lesson: Don't just rely on the internet, your memory, or others people's knowledge. The old Factory Service Manuals contain a wealth of information.
