im not sure how to tell that story(so you probably should since hydra is going to start it), but i know exactly what you are saying, the link i posted previously explains the workings very well

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-p...rum-brake2.htm the animation wont post here, but let it play, and think about it trying to work in the other direction, it just doesnt seem to make sense, (the adjuster has to be designed so that the adjustment arm only catches in one direction) the animation on the previous page of that article for the drums working in the forward direction, shows that the star adjuster would actually spin the opposite way on the adjustment screw if the arm was designed to move that far in the forward direction (i know the adjuster is not shown there, but imagine it please), and the springs would not be strong enough to pull the adjuster screw, otherwise it would never adjust the brakes.

it really does not matter what the theory behind the operation is (sorry hydra) it only matters what works IN PRACTICE, so regardless of how much sense your comment makes (ill admit that it does sound good) it is not accurate in practice (and at least on all of my trucks, and my dads trucks never was even when brand new)

 

That's exactly what I was explaining.

This is correct. I think they both have reverse threads. The adjustment arms have a divot in them so they can only turn the adjusters one way. As the adjuster moves up it will only catch the next star if the adjuster arm can go up high enough (thus engineered at the specified height enough to keep the shoes close enough to the drum specification) to grab the arm. But it does not push the star in the wrong direction.

If the adjuster has enough room to grab it will adjust either in forward, reverse, or parked. Now in reverse like I said up there ^^^^ the torque can pull the shoes one way causing the adjusters to move further one way then the other either in parked or forward and that will cause the adjuster to be able to grab the star therefore adjusting to a closer specification then in the parked or forward rolling positions.

Now if the adjusters are worn or the pivot on the adjuster is loose or warn https://dodgeforum.com/forum/1st-gen...37-brakes.html like I found in this thread then they won't adjust correctly.

But hey, if they work during reversing and keep you happy then more power to you! But I would look into ensuring their integrity just as a safety precaution.

 

lets put it this way, my truck (as per my dads records, which he keeps meticulously, we have every time that truck has gotten gas written down, how much, the price, the odometer reading the trip reading ect) has had the rear drums inspected every 5k miles (oil change time and tire rotation) and even when it was brand new it needed to be adjusted in reverse, so if what you are saying is true (which i dont think that it is) my truck was delivered from the factory, broken, and when the issue of slow rear brakes was first discovered it was taken to the dealer under warranty to be looked at, and they couldnt find anything except an adjustment to the drums, then the explained to my mom (at the time her DD) that bc she didnt back up they slipped out of adjustment

 

I don't know what to tell ya on this except that's the way it is. Now I could be wrong and as you know I will clearly admit fault but I said it how it is. In the old days that was how it was but in today's shoe brakes that's the way it is? I don't know what to tell you???


I have never had an issue with them other than listed? But I can tell you this, "if I were there I would pull the wheels myself and show you how it works" but I'm not and you would agree that I am sure.

It is very hard to explain but a visual explanation would clear it in a heart beat.

The next thing I would ask is this, have you replaced the rear shoes yet and how many miles?

 

im just under 93k, and we have not replaced the rear shoes yet, simply bc they have not needed it, as i said we inspect them every 5k when we do tire rotations/oil change and they are not even close to wearing out yet (i usually have to clean all the brake dust out of them too bc it causes them to squeak a little bit and it drives me nuts)

next time i have them off im going to play with them a little bit and try to get some pics/vid of it, but no promises

 

How about everyone agree to disagree on this one? If adjusting in reverse works for you thats great. If it doesnt so be it. No need to fight over the way someone takes care of thier D just as long as it is taken care of right? So lets all just enjoy a cold one and be friends

 

^^ LOL ^^

Were all friends here and known each other for years. Just a good healthy bicker is all.......

Then you could have an issue if they aren't wearing. next time you'll have to take a picture or something like you said.....lol


But like I said twice up there ^^^^ if it's adjusting fine in reverse then simply reverse it.

 

 

lol, they ARE wearing, but they just havnt worn out, they stop the truck just fine and to be honest, i have never had a truck long enough to wear out a set of rear drums (my dad claims he hasnt either, and he keeps cars/trucks well into their life ie, 150k+), needless to say i keep an eye on things, so im not at all worried about it

 

I dont know if this is the correct section. I been hearing about ceramic pads. Are they worth it? Any special brand? Better with new/special disks? Mine has only front discs and it just to heavy for her brakes. I want to upgrade a little bit