I think I have this correct but something didn't feel right in the left rear wheel. From the backing plate under the truck and through the adjustment opening I would turn the star wheel upwards correct? Because the adjuster lever on the inside of the drum would push it down to make an adjustment. Is this correct? I googled images but some of the ones I saw didn't say what year the truck was so I thought I would ask.

23 minutes ago, Doubletrouble said:

 I think I have this correct but something didn't feel right in the left rear wheel. From the backing plate under the truck and through the adjustment opening I would turn the star wheel upwards correct? Because the adjuster lever on the inside of the drum would push it down to make an adjustment. Is this correct? I googled images but some of the ones I saw didn't say what year the truck was so I thought I would ask.

I just did the brakes on my rear of my HHR and I think they all work the same and lifting the BRAKE SPOON UP will tighten the the shoes on both sides.  I will be doing the Dodge in a few months.

Parking brakes (2001.5 and up)... Spin the starwheel away from the axles tightens.

 

Drum brakes (2001 and down). I'm pretty sure its spin the starwheel down on both sides.

 

If you jack axle up and spin wheel while turning adjuster it is easy to tell 

The auto adjuster of the drum brakes as you face the axle face the ratchet arm pulls up. So to reverse this and look at the backing plate side should be down. Hence what I said a bit ago.

 

I adjusted mine about two weeks ago.  The end of the adjusting spoon in contact with the adjusting  wheel, on either the left or right side, needs to go up ↑.  Now, facing towards the front of the car the adjusting wheel on the left will turn counter-clockwise ↶  and the adjusting wheel on the right side will turn clockwise ↷.   

 I thought no I'm going to have to pull the left rear wheels. That adjuster didn't want to move. Right side adjusted fine.