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Here is a guide from Timken that might add insight.

http://www.timken.com/es-es/solutions/automotive/aftermarket/lightduty/TechTips/Documents/Vol2Iss1_Proper_Tapered_Bearing_Settings_English.pdf

I just replaced my front wheel bearings for the first time and found the above helpful to understand what is going on. Note that you have two sets of bearings and races on each wheel - an outer and an inner. The races are pressed into the brake drum. When you tighten the first nut you are putting pressure on the bearings against the races and causing friction or drag. I believe the objective is to find the sweet spot between eliminating the drag but no looseness between the bearings and the races.

Hope this is helpful..

but no looseness between the bearings and the races.

That's contrary to what I've always read and been taught - that there should be freeplay, almost imperceptible and such that you can just barely feel it when you rock the drum side to side but not enough that you can actually see it, perhaps 0.001 to 0.004 inches. This would be similar to the free play on rear axle tapered roller bearings which is typically specified at about 0.004".

OD you are correct, pardon my poor explanation. Timken says .001-.007 freeplay.

I took it down the driveway and down the road but it still feels and sounds like the brakes are dragging or something. When I brake the steering wheel pulls hard to the left. It feels like the right front brakes are dragging against the hub.

Any ideas?

Quote:

Now that you know how to remove the front brake drum, suggest that the left one be removed and the parts inspected.
Also make sure that the brake shoes are adjusted properly.

And what about the state of the linings? If one side has been exposed to brake fluid or grease from a leaking wheel cylinder or axle seal then it will tend to grab. Looking at the pic in Post #38 it seems something could have been leaking at some stage.

Ok, thanks. I'm not sure how to adjust the brakes correctly but I'll look in the auto repair manual I have.

Make sure all lines are bled properly. If there is air in the line, when warm can expand and cause the lining to expand causing a drag at one or more wheels. Make sure wheel cylinders are in good working condition and no dirt inside. If you have a good brake shop nearby, it is worth becoming friends. If they turn drums and do their own linings, especially for trucks, you need to bring a case of beer and have a chat.