Aaargh!!!

Another engineers wet dream from Jeep. The brakes. What a Rube Goldberg set-up this is. The Cj is down for a while as I have the tank out so I can install the bumper I am building. Since the bumper isn't ready yet, I decided to replace the brake shoes. First, I cannot find my brake spring tool.. Oh well, channel locks to the rescue. Get everything apart on one side and see that there is a clip holding the emergency brake arm to one shoe. I lay it on the bench and using a punch gently tap the clip off. Well under the clip is a beveled washer and the washer and clip fly off into nether land. I find he washer, but the clip is still MIA. I made one out of a washer. Now try to get the bloody thing back on. Finally get er dun. Next is the ritual of re-assembly. Good grief can we hook a few more springs up to one clip that we can't get to? I perservere and get everything back in place.. Next it's off to NAPA for real brake tool. On to the other side and everything goes slightly better. Thats is until I get to the last srping which is onn the bottom and the clip keeps falling out of the slot. Finally I duct tape it in place and still have a battle to get the spring re-attached. Then the crossover piece for the E brake falls out of the slot and I have to remove the spring again.. Good grief.. I am still planning on doing the front brakes.. Guess I am just a glutton for punishment.

I am now seriously considering disc brakes all around..
Rant off

 

Yeah we know, drum brakes are a pain. But when you get to the fronts, you should be a pro at it.

 

You need the tools.
http://www.mytoolstore.com/kd/kdbrak03.html
Pick your favorite spring tools.
http://www.toolfetch.com/Brand/K_D_Tools/Automotive/Brake_Tools/KD3377.htm
The calipers make initial adjustment much easier.
http://www.toolfetch.com/Brand/K_D_Tools/Automotive/Brake_Tools/KD298.htm
Some like the spring pliers, but I use thin-nose vise grips to grab the springs.

Search - we've covered this many times in the past.

<edit> You're supposed to squeeze the ends of the e-brake arm retaining clip around the post. It won't stay on unless you close it. New clips come in the spring kit. You did get a spring kit? You either need to test the springs or replace them.

 

Spring kit? looks like annudda trip to NAPA... And Annudda fight with brake springs... Yes I am a Rookie at some of this. Thanx for hte tool link. That clears someof this up..

 

You don't have to replace the springs if they test ok. Drop them on a concrete floor. If they buzz, they are gone. A good spring should sound just like a pebble.

Most people get the hardware kit though - it contains a lot of useful new parts, including the springs, cups, nails, clips, and self-adjuster cables. You need to grease the contact points too.

 

Thanx again for the info.. The srping kit is like ~$12 at NAPA.