11" drums don't fit

[eddiericks]

OK, i am starting a new thread as i cannot specifically find my issue in previous posts. i did reply to a post looking for the parking brake strut thinking that was a clue that my truck had the 11-5/32" x 2-3/4" heavy duty brakes.

I am now convinced that i have the 11 x 2's based on some photos and research. I have the JB-1
unfortunately, i have tossed the old parts to the scrap yard and have no way to retrieve.

1977 custom deluxe short bed 4.1L - 6. no way there would have been heavy duty brakes on this one. the GVW is 4900.

Here's the issue:
new wheel cylinders
new shoes 11 x 2
new drums 11 x 2
new hardware (springs, clips, adjuster hardware, etc.)
original parking brake lever
original parking brake strut
new parking brake strut spring
original backing plate

Drums do not fit over the shoes.

I saw in an earlier post to open the bleeder screw to make sure everything was compressed as tightly as possible.
I have new cylinders with no fluid or brake lines attached - so they are basically open.

I have made sure everything is fitting as tightly as possible - still do not fit by a long shot.

With the axel removed and measuring with digital calipers the OD of the shoes(new) i am getting 11-5/32"
the ID of drums is 10-31/32" (basically 11" ID)

I find it interesting that the measurement is 5/32 too big AND 5/32 (.16) to turn off of new drums is too much.

this is why i thought i may have had 11-5/32 x 2-3/4 to begin with and the backing plate was spreading things out.

I am now convinced otherwise. upon further inspection and thought, i think the adjuster is the wrong size.
if i remove the adjuster assembly - drums fit. - obviously that would not work as a functioning brake system.

i have looked online and find adjusters that specifically state they fit 11-5/32 x 2-3/4" CJ PONY, SUMMIT, and maybe another. I have NOT found one specifically stated to fit 11 x 2.

BUT I am convinced that must be the problem.

Here is the question:

Is anyone familiar with this issue?
Does anyone know of a source to purchase OE adjusters for 11 x 2 drum brakes
Am i missing something else? Perhaps the entire adjuster kits are wrong too?

Any help would be greatly appreciated - and sorry for the long post.

Ed

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[ali_c20]

Found these at Rockauto: I don't know if there is a difference to the other adjusters but at least they are for the 11x2 drums.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/chevrolet,1977,c10+pickup,4.1l+250cid+l6,1030194,brake+&+wheel+hub,drum+brake+adjusting+screw,10285

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[NLD79K10]

A little bit of digging lists the nominal minimum length of the brake adjusters as follows:
1530/1531: 3 1/16"
1544/1545: 3 3/16"

That 2/16" difference you have with the correct adjusters might be just enough to get the drums on.

 

[eddiericks]

Thank you @ali_c20 and @NLD79K10!
This is very helpful info.
I forget that Rockauto is a good source for parts and that they have valuable tech specs.

Thanks again for reading my long post.

Ed