Mushy brakes 4 life...

Indeed I removed the thrust button. There’s no way I could remember posting! I guess my next move is to take the wheel and drum off and take a bunch of measurements and pics for you guys. I’m sure it’s something dumb. I’m wondering if all 11” x 2.5” backing plates are the same. Ie trucks, B body’s, C body cars. I’m almost convinced I have some sort of lateral alignment / mismatch of parts deal going on. I almost think I have no air in the lines but I’ve got the shoes cocked and in the drum wrong. So even though I feel them drag after adjustment... they aren’t seated flat on the drum friction surface. Pulling the hand brake forces them closer, but still not correct. If I’m barely touching if not .030” off the backing plates... I bet I have interference with the shoes and the flange side of the drum.