One anti-seize vote for me.
I have to admit I put them back dry for many years though.  One day it
occurred to me why the paint was worn off the backing plate in that area.
Basically any place that is shiny (or rusty) from sliding wear should get
some anti-seize.

Hooking the brake shoe to spring first is a great idea.
There is also a special brake spring tool designed to put these buggers on,
just search "brake spring tool".

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Scott Daniel - Turbovans
Sent: Friday, July 31, 2009 5:54 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: rear brake shims

....

my personal recomendation is .......
forget this shim stuff for now, just do  a good solid clean brake job.
For example..........how mnay people think to put anti-seize compound on
those little spots on the backing plate that the shoes slide on ?
not everyone, I'm sure, because there was a time in my car reapir career
that I didn't know about that, so I imagine others might not know about that
either.

....

another trick some may not know.....
those return springs on the shoes........those can be a bear. The trick is
to use the shoe itself as a lever on the springs.
you hook both ends of the spring, one on the shoe, one on the backing
plate........then lever the shoe into place. Very slick.

but not as much as good workmanship.
do good work, have fun.
later !
Scott
www.turbovans.com