I have a 2003 Dakota quad cab, 2WD, 4.7L, factory 4 wheel disc brakes, and according to the brochure I have rear wheel ABS. But the brakes absolutely SUCK! I have to nearly floor the brake pedal in order to come to a stop at the bottom of a hill and I have to depress the brake about halfway to not move on my inclined driveway. In my '99 F150 and my '08 Mazda3, the weight of my foot resting on the brake pedal alone is enough to keep the vehicle from moving, but I have to put some force on the pedal to hold the Dakota.

I've already been to a couple of brake shops and they say that the pads aren't worn and the rotors are true so they don't know if the terrible brakes are normal or not.

I've also searched around, and it seems like the majority of what I've found regarding the terrible brakes is to do a rear swap from drums to discs, but I have factory 4 wheel disc, so maybe some drilled/slotted rotors and Hawk pads should help? Seriously, my F150 towing a 3000lb trailer that doesn't have brakes stopped quicker than the unloaded Dakota.

 

Try a fluid flush. It sounds as if you have air in the lines or just because of how old it is brake fluid will absorb water over time and become spongy.

 

yes, i am running exactly that combo and noticed a great improvement. i also did a brake bleed while in there and had to replace my calipers (one was busted).i got my stuff from summit racing, they have always been good to me and you can call the 24hrs to ask a question if you have to.