Drum Brake Adjuster

For 66 CJ5 the adjusters are left-hand thread and right-hand thread. Do the LH thread go on the left side (passenger) and the RH on the right side (driver) ? The other way around, or doesn't matter?

 

Manual or automatic adjusters?

 

They are self adjusting brakes but I was thinking of not replacing the adjuster lever and linkage. On which side should the LH & RH threaded adjuster screws go?

 

If you don't put those parts back in I don't think there would be anything to stop the adjuster from backing itself off. That could have unwanted consuquences.

 

Correct. If you want manual adjusters, you need a kit that places a spring across the top of the star wheel to keep it from unwinding. Without the original pawl in place, the self adjusters will self un-adjust.

I'm not sure offhand which handedness goes on which side, but you can figure it out. If you pull up on the adjuster arm, the pawl will climb the star wheel. Then when you release the adjuster, the pawl will push down on the star wheel and the shoes should tighten (or adjuster screw lengthen).

 

Put the adjusters in so that when you pry the adjusting wheel 'up', the adjuster moves out. That's the old rule of thumb.