If you have different-length linings, the shorter ones go toward the front. More likely, you've gotten a set of oversize linings that are supposed to be ground to fit the radius of the brake drums. Back in the 50's, some brake linings were made thicker than normal so they could be radius-ground to fit the diameter of the drums. of course, those linings were almost pure asbestos, so the dust was really deadly. Nobody knew, or cared back then. Check another set of linings to see if the thickness is different.
Jerry
