Automatic slack adjuster lever question

[williestreet]

Were there any years that GM didn't put automatic slack adjusters on their rear drum brakes?
I am getting the brakes on my 1980 step side back together and discovered there was no slack adjuster lever on my truck.
Every picture I have seen of gmc/chevy show these included. Mine are 11x 2-3/4 shoes on a 12 bolt rear end if it matters but I am sure it doesn't.
Also the two upper springs are very similar in size and shape on mine, while every pic I can find show a smaller spring on the side of the adjuster where it attaches to the slack adjuster.
I have ordered all the missing parts and will just chalk it up to the previous owner lost the parts or just didn't know what he was doing.
The more I work on this thing the more issues I find, but I guess I will get it sorted eventually.
Here is a pic of how it looked before I took everything off last fall. New shoes and hardware will be going on. Hoping to reuse the drums.
Thanks

 

[fast 99]

Self-adjusters were stock. One incorrect spring, missing parts. Needs self-adjuster and hdwr kits. Be sure and check cables for being stuck. Also lining appears to be delaminating on the top.

 

[williestreet]

Self-adjusters were stock. One incorrect spring, missing parts. Needs self-adjuster and hdwr kits. Be sure and check cables for being stuck. Also lining appears to be delaminating on the top.

Replacing both rear cables, front cable, wheel cylinders and shoes. Couldn't source an intermediate cable, but thankfully mine is in ok shape.

 

[Turbo4whl]

Back in the day (old man comment) it was not so uncommon for mechanics to remove the auto adjusters in their own vehicles. Change the engine oil, adjust the brakes also. All part of the oil change service.

Those brake linings from what I see, are riveted. Another seasoned mechanics' choice over bonded linings.

 

[Ricko1966]

Back in the day (old man comment) it was not so uncommon for mechanics to remove the auto adjusters in their own vehicles. Change the engine oil, adjust the brakes also. All part of the oil change service.

Those brake linings from what I see, are riveted. Another seasoned mechanics' choice over bonded linings.

Wow,have you ever though most people have never had to adjust their brakes.

 

[fast 99]

Wow,have you ever though most people have never had to adjust their brakes.

Some older cars have dual manual adjusters. If I remember right, one was VW. Problem with them is age/corrosion and access. Some are an absolute PITA. A 30-minute job can turn into 4.

Worst are 2 ton and heavier drum brake juice systems. Have spent days and a huge pile of the customers cash getting those back in shape, dual cylinders, adjusters, master cylinders. My back hurts thinking about it.

 

[JBswth]

Were there any years that GM didn't put automatic slack adjusters on their rear drum brakes?
I am getting the brakes on my 1980 step side back together and discovered there was no slack adjuster lever on my truck.
Every picture I have seen of gmc/chevy show these included. Mine are 11x 2-3/4 shoes on a 12 bolt rear end if it matters but I am sure it doesn't.
Also the two upper springs are very similar in size and shape on mine, while every pic I can find show a smaller spring on the side of the adjuster where it attaches to the slack adjuster.
I have ordered all the missing parts and will just chalk it up to the previous owner lost the parts or just didn't know what he was doing.
The more I work on this thing the more issues I find, but I guess I will get it sorted eventually.
Here is a pic of how it looked before I took everything off last fall. New shoes and hardware will be going on. Hoping to reuse the drums.
Thanks

Previous owner probably lost some of the parts and didn't mind periodically adjusting the brakes, so he never bothered ordering replacements. Maybe he was just too cheap!

J.B.