brake help

Worried about panic stops, eh? Recall that maximum braking effort is achieved immediately prior to lock up. A locked up wheel can not be steered. The factory bias in the system is towards the front. Lock up the fronts and the car tends to go the direction in which it was heading prior to lock up. Lock up the rears and the back end wants to come around.

If you're still not impressed with the performance of your drum brakes they may be out of adjustment or the linings may be glazed.

The drum brakes are equipped with self-adjusting mechanisms (little tab that contacts star wheel adjuster). To engage them, drive backwards and apply brakes HARD. It is not necessary to be going very fast, 5-10 mph is adequate. You may hear a pop or clang during this operation.