Having a problem with my brake job. I think I have found a cure but wanted to pic a brain or two before I act on my guess.
The 1942 1/2 ton and most other cars with rear drum brakes have a breake spreader bar that pushes against the front shoe when the brake is set.
The bar seems to be too long when the shoes are in place and wont let the shoes come together enough to install the drum. I have dismantled the shoes and removed the cable from the swing arm thinking maybe the cable was too tight, but still too far apart. With the adjusters screwed all the way in and the cable disconnected still to far apart.I fact the shoes are a full 3/8 of an inch from touching the adjusters and the drum wont fit arround the shoes. If I remove the spreader bar they come together and the drum will fit. The shoes I installed are identical to the ones I removed.
Here is what I think. At some point in the trucks life some one could not get the emergency brake to hold so they straightened the spreader bar a little for more travel. They shoud have adjusted the brakes and cable.
Has anyone had this experience? HELLLLP!!!!
Before I rebend the bar I am hoping for a reply. None of the parts books show a picture of the bar and I have no data to support my theory. :confused:

I didn't do it, no one saw me do it, you can't prove anything! "Bart Simpson"