Thanks 3B for the info - and I agree something looks just plain wrong. I am currently trying to source correct shoes so I can figure out what is really wrong. Can you clarify what the number 109 means? Is that the tail end of a larger Chevy part number?

I do know that the wheel cylinders are not original - but I believe they follow the substitution of 5453989 for the original 5454387 in some applications. The original wheel cylinder (5454387) had a 7/8" diameter. The substitution is larger - most likely 1 1/8". I would think the activating pins stay on the centerline of the cylinder, so doubt that would cause the upward angle?

Right now I am trying to find replacements for the 5454387 (7/8") without much luck - would be nice to find something modern that would work but I just can't seem to find the technical info that would let me know they are 7/8".