Chevrolet Repair: BRAKES, drum brakes, brake shoes

Question
QUESTION: Hi;
   I have a question regarding my '88 Chevy s-10 pick up rear non abs brake pad wear. The problem is that I recently pulled off my rear drum to check on the wear of the pads after almost 70.000 miles,I noticed that the rear passenger drum had a groove in it from the brake rivet. The problem is that the secondary shoe is slightly worn while the primary shoe is ground down to the rivets only at the top while the bottom of the primary shoe is also slightly worn.Why am i having this problem? why would the primary shoe be ground to the rivets at the top while the bottom is almost perfect?
         Thank you.

ANSWER: That is just the way it works.  I have seen this on almost every drum brake that has that system.  drum brakes are not a very efficient way to stop a vehicle.  The wear uneven most of the time.  All I can say is replace the shoes. Turn the drum if the groove is not to big.  And make sure they are properly adjusted.  Also a piece of your pad could have fell off the backing.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks,The shoes are firmly attached,but while we are on this subject;whats the proper way to adjust the drum brakes,I am not a pro regarding drums, the discs brakes are a breeze to me.

Answer
The best way is with the drum off you roll the adjuster.  It will click when you turn it the right way.  Turn it a bit and try the drum.  When adjusted correctly the drum will have a slight drag on the brake shoes.  The drums should be resurfaced before attempting this because if there is a rust lip you will not be able to adjust them properly.