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Hello again to everyone...
I encountered a new problem which I feel that certainly someone has encountered and can provide some direction... I am replacing brakes, including cylinders, shoes and springs. My problem is finding a spring plier that is large enough to work. I purchased one at a local auto parts store that lasted about 3 minutes before I broke it. I then ordered a larger "truck" brake spring plier but find that it does not spread wide enough to install the spring....
Help?

This may not be the approved method, but here’s what I did. First I adjusted the cams all the way in, then got a nice BIG set of vice grips and clamped them on the end of the spring sideways. Then, using them as a handle I pulled the spring into position. Sounds simple but I do remember those springs being pretty strong.

Thanks, that's exactly how I was taught by my father. I'm working on modifying the spring plier I bought, but at the end of the day I may just need a bigger set of vice grips and hammer! LOL!

Good News... Brake springs are installed. My modification to the tool worked well! Yea!!

Haha nice work!

Mine is similar to Rob's. I clamp down a pair of vise grips on the spring stem then use a long prybar against the vise grips and hub to leverage the spring end into place. This works ONLY if the shoes will stay upright.
Gary

Also, be sure to wear eye protection. A good friend of mine lost his eye from one of those springs.