What I've read so far doesn't answer my question so I'm asking this group for guidance. Regarding the rear drum brakes on this 2000 Ram Van Wagon 2500, the build sheet says rear drum 12 x 3, and the Haynes Manual shows an automatic adjustment lever and spring. My front discs grab pretty aggressively and the rear shoes I can't tell what they're doing. A few decades ago I remember the automatic adjustment was activated during the backing up and stopping procedure. That was 50 years ago and specifically Ford Econoline. This is my first Dodge. So, is it likely I do have an automatic adjustment type rear drum brake? And is it possible to attempt adjustment using the same backing up and braking to activate the adjustment?
Yes, I'm old, the ground is hard, and the parts are heavy! I'm looking for the free and easy fix .

 

Yep. Drum brakes all work pretty much the same way, regardless of what they are bolted to. The auto adjusters are there, but, whether they work or not, is the real question. Your van is 24 years old, I would like to think it has had the rear brakes changed at least once..... but, the adjusters tend to rust up, and seize... so, the auto-adjust simply doesn't work. You could try adjusting them manually one or two clicks, just to see if they will turn, then do the backing up and stopping thing a few times to get 'em where ya want 'em.