I agree that it appears that the parking brake rod is not properly attached at the "front" end. I also move the eccentric to its minimum position when I have had everything apart. If necessary I adjust it later.
I also agree that the shoes need to be properly adjusted before you apply the brakes. Otherwise the piston travels too far and the adjusting cap comes off like you show.
Remember to disconnect the parking brake cables before you adjust the shoes at the caps on the ends of the cylinder.
