drum measurement

does anybody know how to measure drum brakes. to find out what size shoes you may need

thanks

Inside diameter. Also measure the surface contact area of the shoe either front to rear of the drum where the shoe rides ( if the correct shoe has been installed previously) Or measure the shoe width. This will get you where you want to go.

Small note to add to Denny's post, What ever the shoes the vehicle calls for, the machinist is going to turn it in deeper for the dust collection (as Denny said). Don't sweat it. Just get the measurement down.