while doing the rear end of the car i decided to do the drums and when i took them off and put them next to each other i noticed something. THEY DONT MATCH!! is this kosher? anything i should worry about? should i get matching ones? or is it meant to be this way?

and what is that in the third pic? Fell outta my drum on the drivers side and it was grinding on my drum it seems

 

The ribbed one is a replacement as the smooth style is original. The ribbed style came out in the 1970 model year.

 

so i can has both of them on and it will be fine? or is one better than the other or what lol

 

I woud think the opposite is true with the drums - I sold at a warehouse and never saw a ribbed drum!
#3 is a spacer that goes from shoe to shoe to engage the parking brake evenly.
Shoud be on the other side, with a spring to hold it in place, to compare to.
If it fell out, you've probably got an oversize drum that let the shoes expand too far, letting things out - not safe!!!!!
You shoud be able to get 2 drums, shoes and new hardware for under $100 at Auto Zone, or a comparitive retailer!
Aso get some 'brake clean' for the inside of the drum, to remove the sealer.
Get a book on brakes, if you've never done them - for safety's sake!!!

 

i have the service manual for the car but i just wanted to make sure was all b4 i decided to do anything

 

The item in the third picture is part of the parking brake.

 

I was taught to repace drums or rotors in pairs, just to keep everything even.
A 'cut' drum wil warp easier than a new one, creating pusations that'll drive you crazy! Same with rotors, but even moreso, with the fronts doing most of the braking!

 

You're right about replacing all parts per axle in pairs, but you would be surprised the number of people who cheap out by only replacing what is worn but not having everything matched and balanced for peak performance....

 

... and after watching a video on it i will just pay to get it done lol

 

I have the smoth one's on mine . What about a set of 11" rear drums ??? Have heard from some on pontiac sites that it is much better than the 9" look closer to stock than rear disk ANY ONE WANT TO COMENT?

 

Sure - another situation where bigger IS better - maybe at 150 mph!
For street use, a good, up to par 9" system is adequate - any more and you'll have to keep an eye in the mirror!!
Not to mention the cost of backing plates, drums, etc. and hoping your proportioning valve will work right!
"Locking them up" isn't good, anytime!

 

The one's i have seen come as a complete set backers and all .

Having first hand experience of the brake's going south on a slow down from 120 plus
no matter how hard you push it wont slow any faster . Adequate is like code minimum
at best. If you are spending to have some one do the brakes you can get them in a already built set up put new lines to the complete set up an bleed them and be done .I DO NOT KNOW ABOUT THE prop valve but mp brake or the likes should be able to tell you about that. jmo

 

Proportioning Valves are used with Disc brakes on the front so you get adequate pressure throughout your brake application and no lock up...

 

I've been shopping around for a new car for the wife. Most cars today have disc in rear, but some have drums (e.g. Chevy Kruze). The interesting thing about the drums is that several of them are smooth....no ribs or vents.

 

there is a set on e bay too just under 400 for a complete set backers and all You will have to take apart to get e brake cable on . But not hard at all if you have the book and a new one for ref do one side at a time .