This car has no brake adjustment slots for the rear brakes. It's old,, the shoes are on tight, and I can't get the drums off. I thought I'd be able to adjust them back down so I could get the drum off. Maybe there's a way, but I can't figure it out. Tom

There are a few possibilities for why this is.

1. Wrong size shoes.
2. Excessively worn drum.
3. Didn't adjust self-adjuster wheel out far enough.

People often make the third error since most who change their own brake shoes do not have the drums resurfaced. As a result, there is a ridge on the outer edge of the drum that doesn't get removed. In order to get the drum over the shoes, the shoes must be under-adjusted to allow for the ridge. Then, once the drum is on the shoes aren't tight enough. You can adjust some cars thru a slot in the rear plate behind the drum, but not all.

drum brakes can be adjusted through a slot at the rear of the backing plate normally at the top. Use a flat bladed screw driver or a special tool used top adjust drum brakes. The secret to adjusting drum brakes is to adjust up till the shoes touch the drum and then hit the backing plate several times with a hammer . This allows the shoes to move into the new position and equalise out. Repeat the process until you get an even contact noise when turning the wheel. Pumping the brakes at intervals while adjusting also helps centralise the shoes into position

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
It is a good idea to only disassemble and assemble one side at a time, leaving the other side intact as a reference.

1. Raise and support the vehicle safely.
2. Remove the brake drum.
3. Disconnect the parking brake rear cable and conduit.
4. Remove the brake shoe hold-down springs and brake shoe hold-down pins.
5. Remove the brake shoe adjusting screw spring.
6. Remove the brake shoe adjusting lever and adjuster screw.
7. Remove the brake shoe retracting spring.
8. Remove the brake shoes from the backing plate.
9. Remove and discard the parking brake lever clip. Remove the washer.
10. Remove the parking brake lever from the rear brake shoe.

To install:

1. Thoroughly clean the backing plate with brake cleaning solvent and dry completely.
2. Use silicone grease to lubricate the brake backing plate-to-brake shoe contact areas.
3. Apply a light coating of premium grease to the threaded areas of the adjuster. Turn the adjuster in and out to spread the lubricant. Turn the adjuster all the way down on the screw and loosen one-half turn.
4. Install the parking brake lever to the rear (secondary) brake shoe with a new clip.
5. Position the brake shoes on the backing plate and install the brake shoe hold-down springs.
6. Attach the parking brake rear cable and conduit to the parking brake lever.
7. Attach the brake shoe retracting spring.

The socket end of the brake adjuster screw is stamped with "R" or "L" to indicate that it is to be installed either on the right (passenger's side) or left (driver's side) of the vehicle. The adjuster nuts can be distinguished by the number of grooves machined around the body of the nut. Two grooves indicate a right-hand adjuster nut and one groove indicates a left-hand adjuster nut. Another way to identify brake adjuster assemblies is to check thread pitch. The right side adjuster assembly has right-hand threads and the left side has left-hand threads. If installed correctly, the brake adjuster assembly will increase in length when the brake shoe adjusting lever is operated.

1. Install brake adjuster screw in the slots on the brake shoes. The wider slot on the socket end must fit in the slot on the front (primary) brake shoe.
2. Install the brake shoe adjusting lever on the lever pin.
3. Install the brake adjusting screw in the slot on the secondary brake shoe and in the slot on the brake shoe lever. The brake shoe adjusting lever should contact the brake adjuster screw.
4. Adjust the brake shoes.
5. Install the drums.

ADJUSTMENTS

The drum brakes are self-adjusting and require a manual adjustment only after the brake shoes have been replaced, or when the length of the adjusting screw has been changed while performing some other service operation.
Drum Installed

1. Raise and support the vehicle safely.
2. Remove the rubber plug from the adjusting slot on the backing plate.
3. Insert a Brake Adjustment Tool (D81L-1103-C) or equivalent into the slot and engage the lowest possible tooth on the starwheel. Move the end of the brake spoon downward to move the starwheel upward and expand the adjusting screw. Repeat this operation until the brakes lock the wheels.
4. Insert a small screwdriver or piece of firm wire (coat hanger wire) into the adjusting slot and push the automatic adjusting lever out and free of the starwheel on the adjusting screw and hold it there.
5. Engage the topmost tooth possible on the starwheel with the brake adjusting spoon. Move the end of the adjusting spoon upward to move the adjusting screw starwheel downward and contract the adjusting screw. Back off the adjusting screw starwheel until the wheel spins freely with a minimum of drag. Keep track of the number of turns that the starwheel is backed off, or the number of strokes taken with the brake adjusting spoon.
6. Repeat this operation for the other side. When backing off the brakes on the other side, the starwheel adjuster must be backed off the same number of turns to prevent side-to-side brake pull.
7. When the brakes are adjusted, make several stops while backing the vehicle to equalize the brakes on both of the wheels.
8. Lower the vehicle.

Drum Removed
See Figure 2

Fig. Fig. 2: When using a brake adjustment gauge, first measure the inside diameter of the drum (top) and then adjust the brakes shoes to the proper outside diameter (bottom)

1. Remove the brake drum.
2. Make sure that the shoe-to-contact pad areas are clean and properly lubricated.
3. Using a Brake Adjustment Gauge (D81L-1103-A) or equivalent, check the inside diameter of the drum.
4. Measure across the diameter of the assembled brake shoes, at their widest point.
5. Turn the adjusting screw so that the diameter of the shoes is 0.030 in. (0.76mm) less than the brake drum inner diameter.
6. Install the drum.

INSPECTION

See Figure 3

Fig. Fig. 3: Measure brake shoe thickness in several places around the shoe
Inspect the brake shoes for wear using a ruler or Vernier caliper. Compare measurements to the brake specifications chart. If the lining is thinner than specification or there is evidence of the lining being contaminated by brake fluid or oil, replace all brake pad assemblies (a complete axle set).

You need to manually adjust the brakes after putting new brake shoes on. The automatic adjuster has adjusted for wear in the old shoes which will make the new shoes too tight.

1989-97 Vehicles Drum Brakes (Let me know if you need the Disc Brake Instructions)

1. Raise and safely support the vehicle.
   
2. Remove the rear wheel and tire assemblies, then remove the brake drum.
   
   
   
   
   
   Fig. 4: View of the drum brake assembly with the drum removed
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Fig. 5: Use a commercially available brake spray to clean the
   components before removal
   
   
   
   
3. Install Brake Cylinder Clamp D81L-1103-B or equivalent, over the ends of the
   rear wheel cylinder.
   
4. Disconnect the parking brake cable from the parking brake lever.
   
   
   
   
   
   Fig. 6: Detach the parking brake cable and conduit from the
   parking brake lever
   
   
   
   
5. Remove the 2 brake shoe hold-down retainers, springs and pins.
   
6. Spread the brake shoes over the piston shoe guide slots. Lift the brake
   shoes, springs and adjuster off the backing plate as an assembly. Be careful not
   to bend the adjusting lever.
   
   
   
   
   
   Fig. 7: Lift the brake shoes, springs and adjuster off the
   backing plate as an assembly
   
   
   
   
7. Remove the adjuster spring. To separate the shoes, remove the retracting
   springs.
   
8. Remove the parking brake lever retaining clip and spring washer. Remove the
   lever from the pin.
   
   
   
   
   
   Fig. 8: Drum brake components - 1995 vehicle shown
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Fig. 9: Exploded view of the drum brake components, removed
   from the vehicle
   
   To install:
   
   
9. Apply a light coating of caliper slide grease to the backing plate brake
   shoe contact areas.
   
10. Apply a light coat of lubricant to the threaded areas of the adjuster screw
    and socket. Assemble the brake adjuster with the stainless steel washer. Turn
    the socket all the way down on the screw, then back off 1?2 turn.
    
11. Install the parking brake lever to the trailing shoe with the spring washer
    and a new retaining clip. Crimp the clip to securely retain the lever.
    
12. Position the trailing shoe on the backing plate and attach the parking brake
    cable. Position the leading shoe on the backing plate and attach the lower
    retracting spring to the brake shoes.
    
13. Install the adjuster assembly to the slots in the brake shoes. The socket
    end must fit into the wider slot in the leading shoe. The slot in the adjuster
    nut must fit into the slots in the trailing shoe and parking brake lever.
    
    
    
    
    
    Fig. 10: Install the adjuster assembly in the slots in the
    brake shoes
    
    
    
    
    
14. Install the adjuster lever on the pin on the leading shoe and to the slot in
    the adjuster socket.
    
15. Install the upper retracting spring in the slot on the trailing shoe and the
    slot in the adjuster lever. The adjuster lever should contact the star and
    adjuster assembly.
    
16. Install the brake shoe anchor pins, springs and retainers. Remove the brake
    cylinder clamp tool
    
17. Install the brake drum, wheel and tire assemblies and lower the vehicle.
    
18. Apply the brakes several times while backing up the vehicle. After each
    stop, the vehicle must be moved forward.
    
    

The brake shoes need adjusting. Disengage the parking brake.
Before fitting new shoes you should slack off the parking brake cable completely. Locate the adjuster(just follow the parking brake cable. Undo the locknut and slack off the cable.
Remove the rear wheels and drums again. You will find a screw-in type adjuster between the shoes. Turn the adjuster to increase the distance between the shoes. The left and right wheel's adjusters turn in opposite directions to achieve the same result. Fit the drum to see if it slides over the pads easily. Do so until you start having diffyculty sliding the drum over the shoes. Fit the drum and rotate it. You should not hear any scraping or have any resistance on the drum when it is rotated. Refit the wheels. Test the parking brake. If it is still too slack adjust the cable under the car until you when you engage the parking brake it engages fully after 3-5 clicks.

Make sure the parking brake is not on, and that the brake adjuster is screw in all the way, adjust brakes after brake drum is on, from the back side on the backing plate, there will be a slot for adjustment, or you might have to knock out the tab, to be able to adjust brakes.

How to Replace Brake Shoes
(DIY Complexity: Moderate / DIY Time: 3.2 hours)

Parts:
1. Brake Shoe Set

Tools:
1. Combination Wrench Set
2. Floor Jack
3. Jack Stand Set
4. Mallet Hammer
5. Brake Spring Tool
6. Flat Head Screwdriver
7. Needle Nose Pliers
8. Tire Iron
9. Brake Resetting Gauge

Supplies:
1. Brake Cleaner

Steps:
Step 1 * Secure your vehicle on a level surface, making sure your car will not roll or lean when jacked up.
o Tip: Safety Tip:Always wear safety glasses when working on your vehicle. Wear other personal protective equipment (PPE) when necessary, for example latex gloves or safety shoes.

Step 2 * Break the lug nuts loose but do not remove. Lift up your vehicle using a floor jack.
o Tip: Using an aftermarket floor jack, instead of the original equipment (OE) jack, can make the job easier and safer. Verify the condition of the floor jack before use.

o Tip: Lug nuts fasten the wheel to the hub and may be on very tight. To gain more leverage, use a breaker bar to loosen the nuts.

Step 3 * Secure the vehicle with jack stands on both sides for safety before starting any work. Do not rely on the jack to hold the vehicle up while working.

Step 4 * Remove the lug nuts. Remove the wheels.
o Tip: Make sure the parking brake is released before removing the brake drum.

Step 5 * Remove the brake drum. If necessary, back off the star wheel adjuster.
o Tip: Hit the brake drum with a rubber mallet to break it loose from a rusted hub.

Step 6 * Clean the brake assembly using a“wet wipe method”. This method uses a spray bottle with water and detergent. Do not use compressed air to clean the brakes. Inspect the brake shoes for wear or damage.
o Tip: It is a good idea to leave one side assembled to use as a reference while you work on the other side.

Step 7 * Remove the primary and secondary brake shoe return springs from the anchor pin and brake shoes.
o Tip: The primary spring is connected to the front (primary) brake shoe and the secondary spring is connected to the rear (secondary) brake shoe.

Step 8 * Remove the adjuster cable and spring assembly. Remove the star adjusting screw and thread the adjuster all the way in.

Step 9 * Remove the front brake shoe retainer. Remove the front brake shoe and parking brake link.

Step 10 * Remove the parking brake lever from the rear brake shoe. Remove the rear brake shoe retainer and remove the rear brake shoe.
o Tip: Specialty brake tools are available to make brake shoe removal easier; but it is possible to remove the brake components with pliers.
o Tip: While you have the drum brake assembly apart, pry the outer seal away from the wheel cylinder and check for leaking brake fluid. If any brake fluid is leaking, replace or rebuild the wheel cylinder

Step 11 * Apply white lithium grease to the backing plate contact points.

Step 12 * Install the new brake shoes in the reverse order of removal. Be careful to keep the new brake shoes clean.

Step 13 * Inspect the brake drum and resurface or replace if necessary. Install the brake drum and adjust the brake shoes.
o Tip: There is a slot on the back of the backing plate usually blocked with a rubber grommet. To adjust the brakes, insert a screw driver into the slot and turn the star wheel adjuster. Spin the brake drum and stop adjusting when you feel a slight drag.

Step 14 * Install the wheels. Torque lug nuts to manufacturer’s specifications.

Step 15 * Lower vehicle and test drive to verify repairs.

Hope help with this (remember rated and comment this help).

1. Raise and support the rear of the vehicle on jackstands.
   
2. Remove the wheels and tire assemblies.
   
3. Remove the brake shoe adjusting slot cover from the rear of backing plate.
   
4. Insert a thin tool through the adjusting slot and hold the adjusting lever away from the star wheel.
   
5. Insert an adjusting tool and back off the star wheel by prying downward with the tool.
   
6. Remove the center hub dust cover, nut, washer, brake drum, hub and wheel bearings.
   

To install:

1. Inspect the brake lining and drum for wear.
   
2. Inspect the wheel cylinder for leakage. Service as required.
   
3. Remove, clean, inspect and repack the wheel bearings.
   
4. Install the brake drum and tighten the hub nut to 20-25 ft. lbs. (27-34 Nm), then back off the nut until bearing pressure is released.
   
5. Retighten the nut finger tight, align the cotter pin hole and install the cotter pin.
   
6. Adjust the rear brakes as described in the beginning of this section.
   

Removing the rear drum adjusting hole cover plug

i think your aware of how to change the brakes if im right and your problem is the rusted drum doesnt want to come off the only way to get the old drum off is to remove adjuster plug from behind drum dustshield and adjust the shoes so that there not even close to the braking area of the drum then try and wiggle the drum off of the assembly if it is not coming off then you need to use the old nylon hammer on the drum and i mean you must hit the drum from side to side trying by hand to wiggle the drum off its a tight fit and you need to strike the drum on the face not on the fins not wanting to damage with persistance and care and patience you will eventually be able to remove the drum to service brakes take care and good luck with it