I have a 1999 Chevy 1/2 ton 4wd Suburban. Rear brakes just do not seem to do much braking. I have replaced the shoes. Front rotors go bad fast and front brakes seem to do all the work. Any ideas? Thanks!

There are a number of different answers to this. Let's start slow and easy for now. Take a moment to answer these COMMON SENSE questions first.

Describe your driving habits?

What brand of brake pads and brake shoes do you use?

What brand of rotors and drums do you use?

What type of brake pads and type brake shoes do you use?

How many different drivers are there for this vehicle?

If more than you? describe the other drivers driving habits?

Current mileage?

Mileage when front brakes were last changed?

Mileage wnen rear brake shoes were last changed?

Does a qualified brake professional do your brake work?

Do you do your own brake work?

Last time rotors and drums were re-surfaced?

Last time rotors and drums were replaced?

most of the weight of this vehicle is in the front half of the truck. Add to this the fact that there is a weight shift (toward the front) when the brakes are applied as the vehicle is moving forward.
When the vehicle is unloaded the front brakes do most of the work (60-70%).
To check, raise the rear and apply the brakes. Try to turn the wheels. At first by hand, and then start the engine, put it in gear and lightly apply the gas. Do the brakes hold enough to keep the wheels from turning? If so they are doing working and the weight tranfer problem is the cause of the rapid front brake wear.

Also, if the rear brakes feel loose, they can be adjusted, so that they are approximately 1/8" away from the drums (this will ensure a more rapid brake response).

autozone.com - register - add vehicle and go to repair section - it has all that info and more on brakes and how they work

If all else fails, take truck to a good brake shop and have them to use pressure guages to check brake hydraulic line pressures for the front and rear brakes. they should be able to compare you readings to specifications.