First things first Seth ,
get a hooked shaped pick , and VERY carefully insert it between rubber boot and the main body of
cylinder . pull outward like 3mm' ish and then
down / up depending , about the same until u visually
expose the wheel cylinder Piston it self , Be VERY careful here NOT to pull the boot too much , or it can
pop off the retaining Lip or Ring of the main cylinder body , if this were to happen , you would be
screwed , and have to take everything apart to pop it back on . So the
As-Needed Approach
is the
Mind-Set Approach here .
what you are looking for is ANY sign of wet / liquid fluid , a moist
sludge'y type look or a Bright
oarnge'ish Cast Iron color type Residue , Any of the 3 or combination of the 3 are Deal Breakers
and would indicate CowBoy was in Need of a fresh 4pc set of wheel cylinders . they ALWAYS get
replaced in full sets , and NEVER only one at a time , also i would Strongly Suggest you not even
think about or consider rebuilding or repairing ANY Fj40 drum brake wheel cylinder ever .
they get pitted and scored inside from age and time , and have a high falure rate if u were to attemp this
( IMO based on solid facts and first hand experience )
Now , if all's well , and all 4 piston cups are dry and look normal , witch both CowBoy and i hope they
are ! 
Then ypu need to tackle the adjustment topic , you WILL need the factory FSM grey book for
this HAYNES , just does not cut it here on this topic that indeed can be a bit confusing , but is really
rather simple after u get done .
This may be a Optical Illusion ? , But i see from my point of view a RED FLAG , it looks as if Only 1 star
wheel has been adjusted out , the inboard one closest to the transmission ? they are all white metal
from the tip of a flat blade screw driver chipping away at them by the PO , it looks as if the Rear or out
board star wheel remains Dormant and untouched ? 
please confirm this , i see LOTS of male threads exposed on the star wheel adjuster shaft too , in your
first Photo above too , this is another RED FLAG
the above inspctions take a bit of time , VARY WELL SPENT TIME , and do not cost any Money to do
this is where i would start , it will quickly confirm or deny the parts are Solid or Not / and provide
SOLID Fact Based Test Spec. DATA ,you can then refer and relate to the FSN Grey chassis body
Manual with .
You have My
Shop HOT-LINE Seth , feel free to call me if needed , as always im here to Help
CowBoy in any way i can .....................
Look good..
