We just replaced the Rear Shoes on Our 98 DSDP on a Spartan Chassis! We have 65,000 'Miles on the Odometer. We also replaced the Drums Front and Rear.
the Front Shoes were slightly Glazed and required a light Sanding with a Belt Sander to take off the glaze! (old School)!
We went with Meritor Steelite Drums on the Front along with Aluminum Front Hubs ,new Bearings and Seals.
The Rear Drums were noticeably worn , replaced with new Meritor Cast Drums!
Changed all the Wheels to New Acuride Aluminum Rims so We changed the Rear Studs from Budd Style to Hub Piloted 33 mm . The rear Hubs were designed to accept either.
The New Front Hubs are also Hub Piloted with 33mm Studs.
We would have done the brake job regardless of the wheel change up!