So I have a 3.9 V6 2002 Dodge Dakota and I have 2 questions: my brakes have been acting bipolar, everytime I start it up I have to pump the brakes and then they’ll either be kinda soft or perfect, the M/c was replaced 3 months ago and was brand new and the brakes were bled the booster is about 8 months old, but I think the caliper is going bad but also I think cause the bleeder screws are stripped and rusted so I’m wondering if a little air is getting in, also with my tax refund coming in I wanted to get some easy mods that aren’t too expensive like a intake, or if there’s any others let me know thanks!

 

Really nothing much available as far as intakes for the six..... not even when they were new....

Have the rear brakes been inspected/adjusted? That is what controls pedal height/firmness. Stripped bleeders? Are they leaking? If they aren't, then they aren't sucking air either. Front brake soft lines still original??

 

How do you adjust the rear brakes? They have been inspected not adjusted, and I will find out if they are leaking Saturday and I’m not sure if they’re the original or not

 

Usually there is a port at the bottom of the backing plate, and there is a starwheel on the adjuster at the bottom of the shoes. Pull the drum, have a look, see how things work, and make sure the adjuster isn't seized up. (very common....) Adjust the shoes so that they are just barely rubbing the drum when you turn it. Then try backing up a couple times, and hitting the brakes HARD.

 

not much for mods...
new spark plugs, rotor, cap maybe coil if original, pcv valve.
throttle body cleaner, fuel injector cleaner ?

 

if the adjuster is seized up what should I do?

 

Since you would have the drum off and if it might all be original, they., make brake kits that replace that part with all the rest of.
I believe the new cylinder have the bleeder screws in them already.

 

I usually just take the adjusters off, do what I have to to get them apart, clean the threads REALLY well, then coat liberally with anti-seize...

 

IF they haven't been adjusted in a long time and everything seems seized, it might be best to bite the bullet and get a full hardware kit from the parts store. Just need to know if you have a 9x3 or 10x2.5 inch drum brakes

 

knowing my dad and grandpa I’m sure they have been worked on, they’ve always taken great care of their vehicles and would replace literally every bolt