JYF The bolt at the top is called the "anchor bolt".
Did you replace the Adjusters? Or are you reuseing the old ones?
How bad or thin are the old linings?
Ok Shoes are the same.
One long and one short per side. I believe ( and could be wrong if so someone correct me) that the long shoe will go in the forward possision and the short shoe in the rear possision.
I am guessing that you have both sides removed (old brakes)?
Ok this is how I would proceed.
1) with the new shoes on. I would remove the "hold down pins" and springs then I would shift the shoes forward and backwards. This will verify if the shoes are hanging up on the backing plates.
2) attempt to install the drum. If the Drum Starts to go on the shoes, STOP and remove. RE install the Holddown pins and springs. If the drum still wont go on the shoes get out the tape measure.
3) Measure the ID of DRUM and the OD of the SHOES.
4) Make sure that the parking brake (cable) isn't interfering in any way. Some times the cables will activate the parking brake mechanism. Not likely but good to check.
5) Reattemp Installation of Drum. Still no luck then I would have to say the lineing are too thick. But I doubt it.
Any Chance of getting some pictures of this?
Save you old shoes as a last resort you can send them in and have them relined! Are the Old shoes Riveted on or "bonded" glued on?
Do you have any local "Brake shops" ( Midas or Tuffy) you might want to see if you can buy one of the guys lunch in exchange for coming over to take a look and see if he can figure out what is wrong?
Or check with another parts store to see if their linings are as thick.
Let us know what you find out JYF.
Thanks and Good luck.
