'87 Toyota pickup - Manual

Decided to do all my brakes (rotors/drums/calipers) yesterday. Did the front rotors and calipers and bled the system--all good, no issues.

Then I decided I might as well do the rear drum brakes with all new parts (Drum, cylinders, springs, etc) and then bled the system once again but now I'm getting a very soft/spongey brake pedal. I haven't really driven it because as it doesnt feel safe so Im wondering if theres something Im missing.

Heres what I did:
1. Changed all the drum inner parts and it all looks accurate. Even redid one side as it want adjusting correctly.
2. Twisted adjusting wheel on both sides just enough to fit the drum
3. Tightened the drums from the back entrance so that the drums spinned but theres was some tension/rubbing
3. Bled the entire system (At one point I may have left some air sip in from the master cylinder when I was on the last wheel--ran out of fluid and didnt notice).
4. Bled the 3rd and fourth wheel again.

I know there might be air in the system and ill bleed all four sides again tomorrow but im wondering if there is anything else I might have to do? I noticed that pulling my parking brake would tighten my drums. I believe thats part of the self adjusting side of things but should I be pulling it more or should I avoid touching my parking brake until I start putting miles on the truck?

There seems to be a lot of suggestions when it comes to adjusting rear drum brakes and at this point, Im not sure what to do. Appreciate some feedback, thanks!

 

Did you bleed the load valve that's in the rear? (4x4)

 

I didnt think I had too. Ill add it to my next bleed rotation. LSV, two back, two front. Any other adjustments or bleeds im missing?

 

once you suck air into the master cylinder by running it dry it can be hard to bleed all that air out again without bench bleeding.
not bleeding the LSPV is probably your issue though.

 

Small update: I took off the master cylinder (Its new btw) and bench bled it. Lots of bubbles there. I then bled all sides and the LSV excessively. The pedal feels better now but now its very loose. The pedal goes all the way down instead of being spongy. I drove around a bit and its drivable but I wouldn't want to be caught braking hard on a slope. I also noticed my hand brake stopped working--before putting on the disc brakes, I made sure I had hooked those on the inside. Buddy of mine who also drove the truck confirmed the brakes feel like they compress all the way down too easily and it needs more stopping power. He pointed out that the truck stops like its supposed too if you double pump the brake when stopping.

I have a feeling it might still be air but at this point ive bled it about 3-4 times. Might have to get a shop to do the next one if so. If anyone has any ideas, Im open to anything before I end up grabbing my mechanic.

 

That sounds like your rear brakes are still not adjusted correctly, with your new drums you will be able to adjust them to the point where you feel a good drag when turning them by hand then take the drum off and back off the adjuster until you can slip the drum on with little or no drag.
I find it best to loosen the parking brake before adjusting the rear brakes then check your parking brake adjustment and re-tighten it to where it grabs well at about 7 clicks or roughly 1/2 of the travel on the handle.

 

They should also "self adjust". The procedure is basically drive somewhere safe with no one around, pull the parking brake and tap the brake pedal.