Bendix style brakes (almost all cars and trucks), short shoe to the front.---- Lockheed style brakes, usually used on small scooters, mini bikes etc.(anchored at one end), short shoe to the rear.
The brake shoe with the shorter shoe material goes towards the front ( secondary )The longer shoe braking material ( primary ) always goes to the rearActually the short shoe is the primary shoe and...
What you can do is replace one side at a time and use the other side as a reference. This way you can take your time and not get lost. Pay attention to the parts though because there can be many and...