Quality wise ATE brand has been the most consistent, rarely a comeback due to being out of round. Many other brands are re=packaged junk. Skipping to the front ATE and Brembo are also good. Some of the so called premium plated stuff including Meyle has been awesome! That plating resists corrosion and seems to help the pads get seated much better helping to quitter brake operation. Finally I now have a brake lathe so if I detect a problem during adjustment I just take them off and check or trim them as needed. As a simple low cost upgrade I have also been using the GoWesty heavy duty drums. I have had a few of them that needed a cut. Also they now come painted including the friction surface and that messes up the shoes. So I just take the paint off with a light cut or emery cloth. 

Recently I began using shoes from Walker. The levers have been spot on they usually only need 1 to 3 mm shims on the lower shoe rests. Autozone has spring kits where all the springs and pins fit. 

If you need backing plates try to find the OEM style. The "classic line" style, (painted black) are thin, poorly shaped, and rely on paint for rust resistance. They are not galvanized. If planning to keep your van for some time, when you see a set of the real ones available, get them. And never pry drums off with a lever between the drum and backing plate. It will never be the same. 

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: William Monk <billmonk@gmail.com> 
Sent: Wednesday, September 25, 2019 11:15 AM
To: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com>
Cc: vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com
Subject: Re: what do I need for better brakes on 85

What brand rear brake drums and shoes  are you using in your shop currently Dennis? 

Bill Monk
87 Westy