[mhsprecher]

The latest: I removed the passenger side brake drum. the first thing I noticed was that the axle nut was not threaded as far on the axle as the other side and that a nail was used instead of a cotter pin on the castle nut. When I removed the nut, the threaded end of the axle didn't look great. I also measured both axles from the bearing out and found that the one on the passenger side was a little shorter. I'd say that that axle end was on borrowed time. It looks like I should replace the axle. What do you all think?

As to Supereal's comment, the cable seems quite free, but I will check it.

As to the brake mechanism, it looks the same as the other side, except that the spring on lever seems tighter and provides some resistance on the brake lever.