Which brand brake drums can I buy to avoid the cheap crap trap?
 

I’m having the rear brake shoes replaced on my 05 Camry, at 110k miles. The current drums are grooved, so I want to replace them as well. The repair place I use is wary of poor quality Chinese product, and would sell me Japanese made drums for $80 each, but is willing to let me supply my own. (They will be using Akebono shoes, btw.)
My options, from local chain stores and RockAuto are:
WBR coated - $55
Duralast - $36
ACDelco - $38
BrakeBest - $55
Centric - $28
Dynamic Friction - $29
Beck/Arnley - $35

I’m not hard on the car, I just want to avoid trouble from going too cheap. Is Centric good enough, or go for Beck/A, or something else?

Also, is it really necessary to install new hardware/springs in drum brakes (return and hold-down)?

Centric should be good enough.

Beck/Arnley sources excess manufacturer part inventory and white boxes them. Its possible you could get a real OEM part in a white box.

Was Brembo not on your list?

Most people don't replace the hardware.

The Brembo option on RockAuto was for Japan built Camry, mine is Kentuckian.

Check the rockauto part listed alternate./OEM part number(s). Do an internet search on number(s) for cars it fits based on VIN. The first place holder in the VIN is country build code. For US cars its a 4, Japan cars a J. Might find the part fits both US and Japan built cars.

I would choose Ac Delco. My mechanic says he has had very good luck with that brand.