Have a '93 Ram Cargo Van and concerned about how hot the brake drums are getting...they will "steam" if water is poured on them! Just bringing the truck around the block will get them hot enough that you can't touch them.

The drums do come off w/o much effort, so don't think it's the shoes sticking. Originally, only one side was getting hot, and axle seal was leaking, so replaced axle, seal and axle bearing. This didn't resolve the heat problem, so purchased a used axle housing...everything from drum to drum, but now BOTH sides are getting hot??? Brake hardware was transferred over from old to new (used), since the shoes were brand new.

What can be causing so much heat generation?

I appreciate any and all ideas!

Thanks!

Edit: What temps should the drums get to? Anyone have one of those laser temp gauges and drum brakes?