Rolling around on my new(Christmas2002) creeper yesterday checking fluid levels under the truck I noticed something I hadn't seen before.<br>Drivers side rear axil between punkin and leaf spring is a lever dropping down from a unit mounted on the frame. Lever attaches to the axil housing. <br>Looks like it is meant to pump something as the axil moves up and down.<br>Got me really curious,<br>Sned.

 

That there would be the proportioning valve for the rear brakes I believe.<br><br>As more load is put in the back more brake pressure is applied to the rear to aid in stopping.<br><br>Has been shown to be problematic when the truck is lifted or lowered, as that lever doesn't operate properly according to load.<br><br><br>phox<br><br>

 

Phox hit it dead on. It's the rear brake proportioning valve.

 

I knew that.....I was just checking to see if you guys knew : <br><br>Thanks Phox

 

???<br>I don't have one of those on my 2002. So, How do they handle brake proportioning on mine.

 

[quote author=KC Super 80 link=board=4;threadid=14267;start=0#144905 date=1054579184]<br> ???<br>I don't have one of those on my 2002. So, How do they handle brake proportioning on mine.<br>[/quote]<br><br>I don't have one on my 2002 either.<br><br>They must have come up with something else, I'm thinking computer controlled now.<br><br>Unless it was a drum brake only thing.<br>No need with rear disc.<br><br>phox

 

Phox..I think you are right regarding the &quot;drum-brake&quot; vs the disk brake issue..I believe all trucks starting with 2001.5 have disk rear brakes. MIne is a 2001 and has drum brakes in the rear, thus a porportioning valve...I think Mopar decided, with the additon of disk brakes to the rear the valve could be eliminated because of the increased stopping power of the disk brakes. <br>Steve

 

If I'm correct, it has something to do with what package you get on the truck. I believe the trucks with camper packages on them have the rear valve. I've got disc brakes on mine in the rear and I have the valve.

 

[quote author=Gary - KJ6Q link=board=4;threadid=14267;start=0#145338 date=1054672538]<br>[quote author=BigBlue link=board=4;threadid=14267;start=#145335 date=1054672174]<br>If I'm correct, it has something to do with what package you get on the truck. I believe the trucks with camper packages on them have the rear valve. I've got disc brakes on mine in the rear and I have the valve.<br>[/quote]<br><br>I wonder if it has anything to do with the 4 wheel ABS system?<br><br>I've got the full RV/camper package, disc brakes all around - and no valve...<br><br>GEE, maybe I got shorted? <br>[/quote]

 

[quote author=Gary - KJ6Q link=board=4;threadid=14267;start=0#145338 date=1054672538]<br>[quote author=BigBlue link=board=4;threadid=14267;start=#145335 date=1054672174]<br>If I'm correct, it has something to do with what package you get on the truck. I believe the trucks with camper packages on them have the rear valve. I've got disc brakes on mine in the rear and I have the valve.<br>[/quote]<br><br>I've got the full RV/camper package, disc brakes all around - and no valve...<br><br>GEE, maybe I got shorted? <br>[/quote]<br><br>Sorry, I got my reply into the middle of the quote. <br><br>I wonder if it has anything to do with the 4 wheel anti-lock brakes versus the RW anti-lock brake packages?

 

As I understand it, a proportioning valve is to decrease the amount of rear wheel braking when the truck is lightly loaded, thus preventing the rear wheels from locking up before the front wheels(in theory).<br>Since the rear disc brakes are more effective than drum brakes it would seem to be even more important.<br>I have the camper and tow package also, but no valve assembly. ???

 

Soooo the rear valve thingy puts less stopping pressure on the rear brakes when you apply a load I always felt more stopping power. How do you dismember the valve so you have max stopping power all the time?<br>DM01

 

[quote author=Gary - KJ6Q link=board=4;threadid=14267;start=0#145487 date=1054697063]
You got it backwards - more load = more rear wheel stopping power...

Like the guy above said:

&quot;a proportioning valve is to decrease the amount of rear wheel braking when the truck is lightly loaded,&quot;
[/quote]
Thanks Thats what I thought and it seemed weired for them to do it the other way need newer glasses. arent you glad I don't drive around where you live DM01