Since it has got cold out when the truck has been sitting for a while and I go to use the brakes the rear end instantly locks up with just a light touch of the pedal. Once i use them for a couple of miles they are fine. Any suggestions.

 

My dually will do this randomly when I first start driving when it is damp out... Sometimes 2 or 3 times, sometimes never, I have no idea why it does this, and it clears up soon, but I always make sure I get all the "lockups" out on my gravel driveway before I get on the pavement. It doesn't do it when it is dry out. Hopefully someone knows what on earth it is!

 

Oil or brake fluid soaked pads will do that / is one potential.

 

I have a 4X4 that has drums all around and it sits most of it's life. Almost every time I go to drive it it does the same thing except it's much worse because of 4 drums. I think the drums rust up and the first brake application locks the wheels because of the roughness of the drum. What I have done for years is ride the brakes for the first while to polish the drums and the problem goes away...... until next time.

 

Totally common in wet/humid areas.
The drums flash rust after sitting for awhile.
About the only thing you can do is be aware of it and apply your brakes in a non critical area when you first start off to wipe the rust off.

 

Try adjusting them so there just starting to drag. This helps a little.

 

get the drums clean by riding them for a little and all should be good.

 

I thought I'd chime in here with my two cents on the subject, as it may help some of you guys. I went through the rear brake locking thing last winter. My mechanic was familiar with the problem, and stated that it has to do with the shape (some kind of groove?) of the Dodge brake pads. I was told the pads wear some kind of a little groove in the drum, and that aftermarket pads do not have that problem. He cleaned the groove, and it went away for a few months. I am waiting until the pads are shot to replace them with another brand. Hope this helps. By the way, the mechanic I use is excellent. Brent