My ol' girl needs some new rear brakes shoes. I've done these in the past, but it's been a while. I know I need a couple of special tools to get the springs and what-not off. Is there a decent link out there somewhere with good step-by-step instructions for a 1999? A post here or even a PM would be great.

 

I have a manual I could get you some directions out of later this evening.

You don't need any special tools, though. Vice grips and big screw drivers will do the trick.

Also, not sure if you've read about it yet, but larger wheel cylinders are avaialbe, they are the ones used on older Chevy 1 tons. I put them in and my truck stops like a Corvette now. Do a search and you will find the NAPA part number. They are about 13 bucks a pop.

 

There's not much to say, just do one side at a time to make sure you get the parts in the right place. As said above no special tools needed.
And you should replace your cylinders with Napa #4637337 if you want to stop better and get more miles out of your front pads.

 

I just up the road from you if you need a hand...

150 miles north of you.. In New Meadows, Idaho...

 

I've read a lot about the 1-ton Chevy cylinders but get the impression that they can sometimes lead to premature lockup of the rear wheels when not towing anything - especially on slick roads. That's the main reason I've shyed away from them.

 

I have installed a lot of the larger cylinders for folks. The only lockups reported to me are on the first stop, after that you learn to control your foot.
You don't realize how hard you were having to push on the brake pedal till you have rear brakes that work right.
In fact one guy said it was more fun for him to stop than go fast with the new cylinders.

 

You mean I can get more than 120k out of the pads?

 

Sure John, if you live in a place like you and me where the only place to stop is in the middle of the road.