Help with new rear brake job

[ColeTrickle]

I just finished swaping to one piece axles and also planned on a complete rear axle brake job.
I replaced everything with new parts. Only thing i reused was the parking brake arms.

When i went to put the new drums on the new shoes it was tight. There is hardly any room to adjust the adjusters. Matter of fact, i can barely push my jeep forward.

Is/could this be normal? Do i need to drive around the block a few times and wear it down a bit before i go to adjusting? I haven't bled anything yet but when i do i suppose it'll only get tighter.

Opinions and advice appreciated.

 

[Torxhead]

My first guess would be that you need to tighten up on the brake adjuster star to slip on the drum. The brakes should be manually adjusted prior to test driving.

 

[ColeTrickle]

Ty for the quick reply Torx.

My adjusters are all the way in. Im guessing that an option i might have is to turn my drums a couple of times to increase the play.

 

[Torxhead]

You could have the new brakes arced to the drums.

 

[Barry2]

Make sure your parking brake is all the way released, you might have to give the P.B. a little slack at the adjuster.

 

[ColeTrickle]

Make sure your parking brake is all the way released, you might have to give the P.B. a little slack at the adjuster.

Haven't thought about that. Will check.

Thanks!