1972 F250 : how to check brake shoe level without taking off the drum?

[teddyyyy]

according to the factory manual, and verified by many youtube videos, to take off the drum, you'd have to take out the axle nut, and axle bearing, which is a very surprising design. (btw I've seen a 1979 F250 video not having to do this, but the drum is mounted on the OUTSIDE of axel , so it comes off naturally)

so, is there a way to check the shoe thickness without taking everything apart? right now my rear brakes are fine, just want to do some preventative
maintenance , but it would be a waste if I take apart everything and find that my shoes are 90%.....

[cep62]

You might be able to look in the adjuster hole and see how far the bolt is turned out .