whenever I drive the car more than a few miles one or more of the brakes seize up on me, the car won't roll and I'm fighting to drive it against this friction. I did have the brakes gone over when I bought the car and have had it in a local shop twice, they seemed like they knew about drums and loosened and replaced some wheel bearings but no change.
Could improper parts/brake pads be doing this?
Anybody else have this happen?

 

If the pushrod from the brake pedal to the master cylinder is adjustable - shorten it.

There is a return port in the master cylinder, and if it is covered ( by the piston being pressed in too far by the pushrod) the brakes will not release.

 

you didn't mention which wheel (ie drive wheel in the rear?) and whether you are sure its the brakes or emergency brake vs a wheel bearing, axle, differential etc.

When they last serviced the car, you mentioned they replaced the bearing - assume they didn't say anything about the brakes?

Also, are you in the habit of using the emergency brake?

As to improper parts/pads, I'd doubt that would cause binding. I'd be looking at a stickly wheel cylinder, worn out return springs, possibly a clogged or dented/pinched brake hard line or an issue with the master that's not allowing the fluid to easily flow back. Sounds like each time you press the brakes they expand out but don't freely return. That should be easy to see with the drum off.

Not exactly sure of how your e-brake actuates but that's also a possible cause if the ebrake cable is holding some tension in it - but that would more likely cause drag from the start not after a few miles.

 

Hoonk, that's it! Thank you so much!! Hundreds of dollars spent on brakes, alignments, wheel bearings and all the while it was a simple adjustment. Can't thank you enough!