I went to the auto parts store to purchase brake shoes & new drums 01 cavalier 4 dr 4 spd auto, They need to know the brake shoe size as well drum size, I am unable to tell from the # stamp on the drums they are rusty, I guess with a messuring tape messure the inter diameter of the drum drum, Also the length of the brake shoe from end to end.

Also these are the sizes for rear brake shoes:

8 27/32" x 1 13/16"

7 7/8 x 1 25/32" bks

thanks for youre input.

Most J's used the 200mm(7 7/8" X 1 25/32") drums. Look on your old drum, they usually have their size in milimeters cast into them. The 225mm(8 27/32" X 1 13/16") was usally on export and fleet vehicles.

I don't kno what year they chaged is but all 03+ have the bigger rear drums, I'm not sure of 03 was the year they chnaged it though.

If you have an 01, then you want the smaller ones.

ok I am planning to do my rear brakes, Drums & shoes all at once, Ive also found out the size of my drum, Its stating 201.4mm, So would it be 7 7/8 x 1 25/32" size? Or 8 27/32X1 25/32" size?.

that would be a 200mm drum, the 201.4mm is the maximum useable size, anything over that is completely junk. you want the smaller ones.

thats works for me, thanks for the input.