Bobcat698

I was having some trailer brake wiring done on my truck saturday and the guy doing it pointed out that the linkage in my "rear brake proportioning" system was missing..

My understanding is that the rear brakes will grab harder when there is a load in the bed.

Does this system really work and where would I get the linkage? Or is it even worth it?

Thanks!

MnTom

What that valve is supposed to do is limit the amount of brakes that are applied when your truck is empty. The valve (if you have one) should be just above the rear end and slightly to the left of center. There should also be a bracket on the axle housing too. Look and see if you have the set up for it and you will probably be at a dealership for parts.
Tom

Bobcat698

The valve is there. It is left of center.

MnTom

Then all you should need is the connecting rod that goes from the bracket to the valve. Some guys have made their own and also have made them adjustable. That way they can set the rear brakes to the performance they want.
Tom

Bobcat698

How much bias is towards the rear brakes as it sits now? Could I make them grab more than they do now?

MnTom

The lever on the valve is probably all the way down right now meaning the capacity of the rear brakes is diminished greatly. Try figuring out a way to hold the lever up a little at a time 'till you find the spot you like. Then measure the rod length needed and make your own.
Tom

QuadZillaTruck

Below is a quote from the url given. They found a slightly larger rear wheel cylinder so that
MORE braking is done by the rear brakes. I did it, and it is something I would suggest everyone to do. Given some time, and because mine is SO heavy to start with, I'm going to see if I can go up one more size...

http://dieselram.com/cgi-bin/ultimat...=001164#000000
The link above talks about;I just replaced the rear wheel cylinders on my truck with some cylinders for a one ton chebby. WOW!!! What a differance!!! The truck stops with about 1/2 the pressure on the pedal and seems to stop FASTER and it also seems more stable while hard braking too. Go to your local NAPA store and tell them you want wheel cylinder part number 4637337 or TSW4637337. They are a direct bolt in. The pistons are larger so the rear brakes work more. On mine the hardest part was getting the drums off. I must give credit where credit is due, Infidel over at DieselTruckResource.com posted the info.

Bobcat698

Thanks for the info QuadzillaTruck.. But I have a rear disk brake conversion by EGR on my truck...

Bobcat698

MNTom, Am I calling this device by the correct name? I am wanting to explain this to the dealer without them looking at me like I'm nuts.

Thanks!

Rare1

Most likely the reason your proportioning valve linkage is MIA is that you have a rear disk conversion. You should have stated that at the start. The proportioning valve is designed to work with drum brakes and probably would not give the proper result with disk brakes. The disk brakes should give you stronger braking even without the proportioning valve.

Bobcat698

I figured the signature would have given it away

So you don't think it will help with disk brakes too much?

durasmack

What do you have to do for a rear disk conversion?!

Bobcat698

Check out http://www.egrbrakes.com/index-main.htm

MnTom

Have you tried to contact the Mfgr for advise if it is needed or not?

phox_mulder

They did away with the proportioning valve when they put rear discs on these trucks in 2001.5.


phox