Let's see if anyone has had similar problems...My state requires a skid plate brake test in order to pass inspection. I have a 97 3.4 w/ ABS btw. I took it in and it failed miserably showing that all my braking is coming from the front. After that happened I went and changed my shoes and cleaned everything up in there. The self-adjusters are working properly and everything now seems to be in working order. I manually adjusted them as well though after everything was put back together in order to get the shoes as as close as possible. With the e-brake adjusted it definitely slows the car fairly quickly if I pull on it while moving so I know the rear brakes are making good contact, yes we all know how how lame the e-brakes are on these. Anyways it still will not pass the skid test! Yes, I have bled the brakes and everything seems to be working just fine now. Anyone have any suggestions on what I should try next? Replace the master cylinder maybe? I don't know what else to do.

Your brakes are still not adjusted properly. Jack up the rear with wheel off the ground adjust the shoes until they lock the wheel from turning then back them off a couple clicks so the tire will turn without the brakes dragging. Then adjust the parking brake so that in engages within 8-12 clicks.

^this. i just had to re-do this because i did a rush job when i did my shoes last.

I have done this. The parking brake engages just like you said but when under load it will not pass the skid test that I have had done multiple times.

I would check the wheel cylinders are operating properly and engaging the brake shoes evenly. If not replace them, they are fairly cheap anyway. Have the brake lines flushed with new fluid and bleed the brakes.

Is your have the abs light on? If so, could be a problem with the ABS or proportioning valve.

Why dont you adjust them super tight so the brakes are really dragging. You can do this a few blocks away from the inspection station if need be. Then drive it over there with them super tight so they will pass then back them off.

Truth is these rear brakes really dont do much at all. You will never get your e brake to skid the tires. I have never heard of a 4runner having good back brakes.

Not a bad plan. I am not too concerned about my stopping power as the front brakes work well enough for now until it is time for a Tundra upgrade upgrade.

Also no the ABS light is not lit.

These brakes suck to adjust but I figured it out. Adjust them till they are making contact then from under the truck give the e-brake cable a few yanks. Wheels will probably free spin again and require further tightening. Repeat as necessary. I Don have an answer for why but that's how I have to do mine. Good luck

Thanks for the suggestion. DOing what you said I finally got it to pass. Thanks again!

Do you use your parking brake on a regular basis? The parking brake is what keeps your brakes properly adjusted.

Thats awesome! Glad that idea worked

3rd gens have rear brakes?!?!?!?