new rear brakes?

How do I know when I need new rear brakes (drums), I've changed front pads before but I never did drums, how long do they last, when do you know you need new ones, can i do this myself?

I was going to put new pads and rotors on the front, and i want to do it all at once if i needed to.

'01 Grand Am
Mileage is 77,000.

The rear brakes last a lot longer than the front since the front do the majority of the work. If you have discs then check the pads to see if they are warn to the point where they need to be replaced, similar to the front. If the pad is still more than half of it's original thickness then you won't need to change them. If you have drum brakes remove the drums and check the shoes. The front shoe will wear out first. Usually they are still good at 3/32 of an inch anything less should be changed. If they are bonded, no rivets, then they can wear to 2/32 of an inch before they need replaced.

special tools are typically required to replace the shoes, such as a round spring depresser a spoon wrench and a long narrow lever that is dished on the end.

Thanks, would I ever need to replace the drum itself or just the shoe?

The drums can be turned to save you money for around $25 each or you can replace them. Usually drums will get out of round and get glazed due to wear so if you replace the shoes have them turned down. Also adjustment is critical or you will lose your ability to brake properly. Good Luck!