I despise drum brakes. I wish they had never been made. I am replacing my drum hardware (correctly; last time guy who helped did it ALL wrong and is causing a dragging issue) as well as the wheel cylinders. I got the hardware and cylinders off no prob, and the new cylinder is mounted back on but FOR THE LIFE OF ME I cannot get the brake line fitting to thread into the new cylinder. The fitting is old and when I turn it, the force of the open end wrench both pulls and slightly off centers the fitting and it will not thread. I am at wits end. Any tricks here? Ideas?

Thanks in advance.

Also, is there a step by step anywhere that goes by each step for reassembling the hardware? Like I said, guy who did it last butchered the job, and I have had to just take it all out.

un bolt the cyjinder start the line then bolt cylinder back on and then tighten line ...start with your hand only

Also, are you absolutely sure the new cylinders are correct?

this help any just remember big shoe goes on rear small on front ...http://www.adventuresindiy.com/http:...j-installation

Got it on! Thanks freegdr! Also thanks for the link!

Anytime.

Finally got the hardware on the right side done. There was much cussing and banging on the jeep, especially when I skinned one of my right knuckles. Oh well. Quick follow-up question:

When are the drums snug enough? When it takes a bit of force to turn the wheel and it stops in half a turn?

I tighten mine up till the drum is snug when turning the drum around by hand on the outer edges. Then I shove the drum left and right a bit manually with the heel of my hands then check again. My final adjustment is pretty darn snug really. Takes a bit of muscle to turn them.

After the first few stops they will be fine.

Make sure you bleed properly. Start with the passenger rear first.

Awesome! Thank you!