Some m/c rods are a threaded/adjustable style too..
If so, make sure you know where it was so you can return to the same setting when you find the real problem..
Have you been adjusting the brakes w/ the tool through the backing plates?.
As long as there's no wear inside the drum edge, it's sometimes better to wind the adjusters fully by hand so you can barely twist and slip the drums on and see how that works..
Have you applied the brakes w/ the wheels in the air and someone else trying to turn them to make sure all are grabbing?.
Occasionally there's air still trapped somewhere in the system you need to bleed out before pedal will go high..
Elevating the end of the car that needs bleeding sometimes helps..
If the stream is weak, the old school trick was smacking the master w/ a hammer while pumping/bleeding itself to release any air trapped in it then bleeding the wheel cyls after that..
Good luck!.
~ Pete