Hi
Today I took one read drum off to see how much shoe lining there was left, had about 4mm both shoes (upper & lower)

Just wondered when new shoes are fitted what depth of lining material is there on the shoes ? would like to get an idea if I really need to change them now or maybe they have more life still.

I am assuming that the approx same wear will be on the other shoes on opposite side.

New shoes probably have about 5 to 6mm approx.
Don't assume the other side will be the same, you need to inspect it to be sure.

Thanks for the reply it seems that these shoes are o.k. for now if a new shoe has about 5 to 6 mm depth when new and these have about 4mm.

I was thinking that the shoe thickness was more like the front disc pads that look like they have quite a thickness on them, I replaced those year or so back.

I will try to get the near side drum off but could not free it even after hitting it with a mallet it must be rusted to the hub behind it.

Make sure you loosen the handbrake adjustment off.