Those that do your own wrenching...

The drum is self centering via lug bolts but mostly the tabs on the hub. I get the idea of tightening the brake to center the drum but I can't see that working well. Lot of variables there to have top and bottom shoes pushing 100 percent evenly. I think its a bad idea personally. But just my opinion

 

The drum is balanced by the manufacturer.

 

You can't balance the drum. The manufacturer will do that on their lathe prior to shipping the drum. If you ever see a new drum sitting on a floor with a shiny spot machined off in a random position, that's where it was balanced at. They'll machine parts of the exterior of the drum until it's balance like a tire and spins evenly.

If you don't have balanced drums you can at times incur a vibration that will lead to the drum throwing the wheel end out of balance. Most drums today are balanced and anyone selling unbalanced drums is either selling subpar parts or doesn't know the parts world. As for the brakes, if you didn't tighten them to the drum you'll incur uneven wear to the shoes, one shoe will touch before the other and it will wear uneven until they are both touching the drum. Neither are huge issues, but for the future you'll wanna make sure if them both.

 

I got tired of waiting on you. The flat spot in the drum is where they removed material to balance it.

 

Waiting on who? Me? Sorry I don't like for truckers forum.

 

I don't think I've ever centered drums, wheels or even balanced tires. Torque 'em up and send it lol.

 

@nikmirbre did that new wrench come in yet ?