Before I bleed the brakes, I adjust all of the brake shoes so that it takes some effort to turn the wheels. This takes all of the slack out so that the master cylinder has little mechanical work to do moving the shoes very far. Once you get all of the air out, you will end up with a very high, firm pedal.
Then I back off the shoes the number of clicks specified for the truck. This will move your pedal to where it belongs and remain firm.
