Thanks. The linings are split and cracked. Can't glue them back on. I've already ordered the new shoes.

 

I don't think you're going to get it done without removing the axel as the retaining springs for the shoes need to be pushed in to get them clipped on and you need to see this or it’s not going to happen. The other retaining springs will be just as hard to see and get to. You may get them off but back on may be impossible.

Good luck though I hope you get it done

 

Looks quite doable. Here are some pics of the setup.

 

It does look good way more room than I thought

I see the shoe clips are slide on that helps a ton

 

Yeah, and I have a pair of hose clamp pliers like below. It will still be a PITA but as you can see, the mechanism is a lot less busier than drum brakes - given that they're just used for parking. That's why I went with the cheapest shoes I could find. Prices for these things are ridiculous locally. I did a little research and it seems it's a common problem for OEM linings to come off.

 

Yes no need to remove the axle. While it makes it a little bit harder to do with the hub in the way its very manageable to do. Now you can see why the dealer would do it this way and then charge you to take the axle out. If someone argued they can show you plan as day in the manual thats what you have to do... Another reason why Im the only one to work on my truck

 

Just to update. I got the shoes and installed them yesterday. The whole job was a breeze and I found it much easier than changing regular drum brakes, which I've done many times.

Can't believe the manual calls for removal of the axles. You also don't have to remove the parking brake cable from the backing plate. All I pulled were the two springs (one upper, one lower) and the two spring clips which hold the shoes to the backing plate. The spring clips were also easy. I supported the pins with my fingers, or a 3/8 socket extension from the back of the backing plate. From the front, I used a stubby flat head screwdriver (or needle nose pliers) to push down on the indented part, and slide the clip so the pin would fall into the large hole on the clip. Install was simply the reverse of that. Had them off in seconds.

Also if you pull the top spring first, then the spring clips, the bottom spring and star-wheel adjuster will simply fall off when removing the shoes. No need to remove them with pliers. Remember to lube the friction points where the shoes touch the backing plate as well as the caliper slide pins. Also helps to spray a little lube on the clips so they slide easily.

 

Whats with the clips instead of the round retaining springs.