my f150 is 2wd and i just did the rear brakes last night, however the job is not done. both of those adjuster cables were rusted apart and were broken. the new brake shoes didnt come with new cables, neither did the brake hardware kit i bought for this. is replacing that cable absolutely necessary? i also am having a very hard time getting the drums back on, even with the adjuster wheel totally closed. could this have anything to do with that cable?

 

I assume you are talking about the self adjuster cable. You can do without them but would have to manually adjust the brakes from time to time. They sell a self adjuster kit that comes with the cable, adjuster, etc for about 12 bucks at autozone.

As for getting the drums back on did you grind off the rust ridge on the drum?

 

yes i had the drums turned. i noticed that the shoes are not all the same, but im very sure i got them on the correct way. not sure what else could be giving me resistance.

 

In the old days the rule was always big shoe to the back.
Each shoe contacts the backing plate in 3 spots. You can get a groove in the backing plate that will sometimes keep the shoes from retracting all the way. If the backing plates are grooved file or grind them level and lubricate those spots with a little high temp grease. put the shoes back on and smack them with a closed hand or rubber mallet so they are seated as close together as possible.

 

i found out the problem, even with the e-brake pedal up, the cables were siezed, so i put new cables in and drums went right on