I apologize for the double post today, but what on earth is happening with this shoe? It’s almost chewed up while the other isn’t even broken in. What is causing this? The truck was sitting for nearly a decade, and the entire suspension was replaced a month before retiring her.The passenger side drum shoes are fine.

Notice the left vs right shoe.

 

It could be a number of things.
Stuck shoe
Bad wheel cylinder or springs
Not adjusted right
The tensioner (I call it that) could have been installed wrong

 

The most likely problem would be the wheel cylinder is stuck on one side and the other side is doing all the braking. There are other things it could be but from the wetness around the wheel cylinder, I'd replace it first. Probably a good idea to replace both of them.

 

The tensioner/adjuster is installed properly. I don’t know much about drum brakes, but I followed the diagram on the FSM.

 

I agree. I do suspect the cylinders as well, and are planning to replace both. The problem is finding an OEM replacement, or AcDelco. Lol

 

I listen them in order from usual culprits. When I say tensioner I don't mean the adjuster. I can't remember the technical name of it at the moment

 

There are wheel cylinders sold in every parts store. Those brakes are trashed. I've never seen so much dried grease/dirt/mud/crud. Just do it all over with new parts and you'll be fine.

 

I did. I ordered new AcDelco cylinders, and shoes.

 

Wheel cylinders (post 1964) are simple to rebuild. ('64 and older are the single cylinder type and you need to do a few tricks on those.) A brake hone, some alcohol or brake cleaner, a little brake fluid for lubricant and a rebuild kit and you're good to go. Getting a frozen one apart is the hardest part.

 

Cylinders are so cheap though, simply replacing them seems to be the go-to method of repair.