1950 3100 Chevy 1/2 ton
This should be pretty straight forward. However, I am unable to reinstall my right rear drum after installing new brake shoes. It's been many years since I replaced the shoes on this truck. The left side is on.

The left side went okay after adjusting the eccentric bolt. On the right side I can turn the eccentric bolt but I have not been able to free the lock nut from the bolt. I would like to free the nut but I am concerned about breaking off the bolt's slot tabs. When I turn the eccentric bolt the shoes move inwards and outwards as expected. Just not in enough. The wheel cylinder adjustment screws are adjusted to allow the retracting spring to pull the shoes inwards. The parking brake toggle lever assembly is reinstalled as I did on the left side. I did find that without adjusting the eccentric bolt on the left side the drum would not have slipped over the shoes. I have not disengaged the right-side parking brake cable. I have also used a rubber mallet to slightly orient the shoes vertical alignment to accept the drum. At this point I am unable to retract the new shoes enough to allow the drum to be installed..

I am perplexed and appreciate your experienced knowledge. I am hopeful that there is a logical solution that I am overlooking.

James in N VA