I've lived with crappy brakes for a really long time... as long as I've owned Geronimo in fact, and I think it's finally time to try to improve them.

I'll try to describe the situation as best as I can in the hopes that someone will have some ideas.

-My brakes do not begin to work until the pedal is almost to the floor... I'd say in the last 1.5 - 2 inches.
-During the first 4 - 5 inches of travel (when the brakes are not yet doing anything) there is noticeable resistance to the force I'm exerting on the pedal with my foot.
-This resistance is variable; the resistance is stiffer if I step on the pedal hard and fast (as in an emergency stop situation). The resistance is also stiffer if the truck is moving very slow. It's considerably stiffer if I'm going slow and in reverse.
-Everything I've described is CONSISTENT. There's no fade, or decrease in brake performance over time.
-Brake work out at the wheels has been done not too long ago by my competent mechanic.
-As far as I can tell, ABS has been deactivated (plug at rear pumpkin not connected to anything, black plastic, multi-pin item which I think is related to ABS is bouncing around behind the seat somewhere, disconnected)

I think it's got something to do with the Master Cylinder or vacuum system, but I'm a bit clueless regarding the intricacies of braking.

I don't mind throwing a little money at the problem, but I'd like to do it wisely.

Any and all suggestions appreciated.
Thanks,
CR

 

Sounds like the RWAL dump valve is stuck open. Since the ABS has been disabled anyway, bypass the dump valve and see where that gets you.

 

Hmmm, your description sounds like mine as far as the pedal concern. The only difference is that I replaced my RWAL!!! I wonder if its bad too???

 

OK, finally bypassed the RWAL valve.

It had absolutely no effect. The above-described pedal action is exactly the same as before. Bummer, I was really hoping that would fix the problem.

Any other ideas, anyone?

Christian

 

Try easy free stuff first, make sure you have good shoes in rear as worn ones allow more travel. Check the vacuhm and make sure theres enough.

 

also make sure you adjust your self adjusters a bit....jack up the rear end and use the spoon to rachet the wheel up until you get just a little bit of drag...then spin the wheels and stomp the brakes a few times to make sure they are centered, and readjust again...I did mine 2 times I think.