Actually, the shoes on Bendix brakes are identical, and can be installed in either position. The lining on the shoe that's supposed to be installed in the forward position on both front and rear axles is shorter by about an inch. The bottom of the shoe assemblies "floats", and the rotation of the drum helps force the rear shoe into contact with the drum as the brakes are applied. If the short lining is installed to the rear, a lot of brake effectiveness is lost, and the linings wear out quickly. I'ved also seen brake pull problems caused by both short linings being installed on one side, and the long ones on the other.
Jerry
