I had a problem like that in one of the 4runners. In my truck it was like Targetnut said. I was not kind to that lever with the mallet, but managed to free it up with PB Blaster and a lot of patience. (go easy if you tap on it, don't bust anything!)

I think if you move this lever forward and back (actually side to side I guess)while it's attached it tightens the shoes against the drum (I think this is the self adjuster, you can see the star adjuster wheel move with it in a ratcheting action) This is probably not what you want if in fact it's your brakes dragging.

Dirty/neglected rear drums can be a real pain to get working right. (rust never sleeps either)

Anyway, if I've said anything that is wrong, someone chime in. I'm only basing this on my own experience.

 

thanks for the reply it sound very likley

 

also i think i have 2 problems. we got to much ice and snow to check. but when i apply the brakes the car dives a little i cannot tell if its the right front or r.r. the steering wheel does not move to one side. stays straight. think i got a bad caliper or wheel cly...could the parking brake act up if i apply the reg brakes???? then it will feel like something dragging. then it goes away
bob

 

Bob on our trucks/runners the regular rear drum brakes and parking brakes are one in the same. All the parking brake does is use a lever to push the shoes against the drums instead of the wheel cyl. Here is the parts blow up http://personal.utulsa.edu/~nathan-b...tem/11-4wd.pdf

 

thanks brad. what i will do as it has 128k on it and i know alot about repairs . i will replace both rear wheel cly. and shoes. and 2 front calipers and pads. fix and check parking brake..i am keeping the truck awhile.
thanks for the photo.bob

 

as weather got warmer it seems better. thanks all. i am going to replace complete brakes system soon. ft and rear.
bob