Rear Drum Adjustment Help

Hey All-

I recently re-did my drums on my 9" (it has the 79' Bronco drums) and replaced the E-brake cables.

I adjusted the star wheel until I had slight drag on the drums and then took it for a spin around the block. The brakes worked so well I realized that my rears probably weren't working much at all previously but they are dragging a bit as I can feel the resistance.

I have two questions in regard to the resistance I am feeling. First, I think I remember on my 98' F150 if you drove in reverse it would adjust the rear drums to the correct setting... is that the case for this setup?

Second, I read in my Chilton (Ford Pick-ups & Bronco Automotive Repair Manual 1973 - 1979) that the stars should be facing towards the front of the vehicle and I don't think they are. I did one side at a time to make sure I did them right but I'm wondering if the PO did them incorrectly. I don't think they are wrong because the lever that prevents the wheel from spinning is in the right place as it is attached to the E-brake lever on the back of the shoe that is towards the rear so I'm not sure how I they could be backwards?

I guess it could be the E-brake is slightly engaged because I made sure there was some tension on the lines where it connects to the single cable but I wasn't able to engage the E-brake from the cab and the ebrake didn't work and wasn't engaged before.

Any ideas?

First off do you have drums in the front also?

I think I remember on my 98' F150 if you drove in reverse it would adjust the rear drums to the correct setting

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Its supposed to if you put on the brakes in reverse, but id rather just adjust them myself then i know there where i want them. Also remember that the drums need to seat so adjusting them a tad tight wouldnt hurt (of course unless u adjust them so tight they heat up). Just adjust them so the drag is similar, but recheck often until there seated.

http://broncograveyard.com/dia/6/brkdiaparts.jpg

I have 4wheel drums and after completly rebuilding all four corners and adjusting the truck wouldnt stop verry well. Then i adjusted them a tad tighter, and wala....stops on a dime....but pulled to one side. Adjusted the other side a bit tighter, and wala....stops straqight. With drums i think the key is to adjust often!