Question about adjusting brakes on a Ford 800 series tractor.

I'm thinking that you have adjusting screws behind the axle on each side, and yes, you would jack the rear wheels up so that you can turn them, and then run those screws in to tighten and and back out to get them where you want them. Once you have the shoes adjusted, I'm thinking that the right side has one long actuator arm with the pedal on one end, and the left side has a pedal connected to a shaft, and that you have a yoke in there someplace that can be adjusted to get your pedals lined up.

I don't disagree with the possibility or maybe even likelihood that you might find it needs more than simple adjustments, but given the relative simplicity of theses brakes, and the added work to remove the wheels and axle housings, I would try adjusting them first. That said, I think the adjusting screws I mentioned are threaded into the axle, I would give the threads a shot of Break Away, and see if they turn. You definitely don't want to mess up the axle housings though, so if you have to reef on them too hard it may be time to pull the housings. And, of course, a lot depends on how the tractors was used and stored, but chances are pretty good that you have enough pad left to run a while.

You will probably find that one of the shoes is bad and one is, well, okay. It's a relatively simple cam action that spreads the shoes, and then a spring that pulls them back in. So, as 47_47 said earlier, you're probably due for a reline. The problem with that is that they're not a lot of guys with presses to reline shoes any more, although I do actually have an antique one in my shop, but the good news is that I don't think you will have any problem finding new shoes for it. Plan on safely jacking and blocking it, remove the tire and wheel, be careful because as mentioned they're heavy, and could be heavier if loaded, then you can slip the axle housing off and do the brakes. I can't remember off the top of my head, but would replace the seal in the end of the housing if applicable. Once you have one done, the second should be easy, so would do that as well.