Rear brakes on all the SPL/SRL are drums with shoes commonly referred to as leading trailing type. There are several differences between the early and the later models. The first difference is the later ones had aluminum drums instead of steel. The early models used a 11/16" wheel cylinder and the later models used a 3/4" wheel cylinder. You can safely swap wheel cylinders with little affect on performance. For example I used the later wheel cylinders on my early model '66. They were cheaper and readily available.
There is a single rubber brake line feeding the rear brakes identical to the two rubber brake lines feeding the front brakes. The metal lines attached to the rear end contain a plastic jacket. It is recommended that this plastic be removed as it has been found to promote rust not stop it as originally intended. This holds true with the front caliper crossover tubes as well.
Adjustment of the rear brakes is carried out by jacking up the rear wheels, placing the axle on jack stands, and turning the adjuster. The adjuster is a four sided adjusting bolt protuding from the brake housing on the backside towards the axle. Spin the wheel by hand as you are tightening the adjuster until the wheel stops. Back off 2 to 3 turns. If your adjuster is frozen solid, remove it(2 bolts), clean it up, put some anti-seize on it and it should work like new again.
Note: Pay special attention to the diagram on how the retaining shims go back on to hold the wheel cylinder in place. It does make a difference and will eliminate any future problems.
That about covers the rear brakes. They are a pretty basic design and relatively easy to maintain. Parts are available from our vendors.
