Parking Brake Adjustment Question

I am trying to adjust the transfer case parking brake on my 1971 CJ5 (V6). I recently rebuilt it with a kit that I purchased from Herm the Overdrive guy. I have the cable tightened as far as it will go. When I adjust the brake shoes to where the drum spins freely, the brake will not hold. Is it OK to adjust the brake shoes so that they drag as the drum spins, or should it spin freely?

 

I just finished my `71. What I did first was adjust the internal shoes where they just touch the drum. The same way you'd do the wheels. then I adjusted the cable where it has a slight pull on the brake but does not engage the shoes. I can pull the handle about half way out and the brakes hold fine.

Hope this helps.

 

Yes, always adjust the shoes first. There should not be any "drag" but you want the clearance as minimal as possible. Then adjust the cable.

FSM says to adjust the shoes until snug in the drum then back off 7 notches on the adjusting screws for proper running clearance.

 

Thanks Guys. Your advice worked great. The brake works fine.