I've been doing drum brakes for many years. There is some good advise posted here. The only thing I would add (if it hasn't already been mentioned), is to do one side at a time. That way, if you become confused about how the parts in the kit are installed, you can just go to the other wheel and see how they go.

A friend once took both sides apart at the same time, and I had to go to his house to do one side for him so he had a reference.

 

Right, that's what you do and I don't think it was mentioned yet.

 

Here is a pic of the spring kit and what it looked like when it was done.. (Jbrew's is a lot cleaner, that's for sure!).

I got this kit from Ford. It was only around $10 per side if I recall. I got the pads from the local Auto Parts store and also a new set of rotors.. I didn't want to bother with trying to turn the old ones.. Get the spring tool for sure!! Doing one side at a time is a MUST! I've done a lot of rear drums in my day, but having that one intact side always comes in handy!





Mitch

 

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I still have my spring tool from when I did my last drum brake job 7 years ago. Thought I had lost the darn thing. It does make a drum brake job go easier.

You may also want to change out the brake cylinder as well. They weren't that expensive and I hate rebuilding the darn things.

Flush all your old brake fluid out!!!!