Howdy all, I have a 1996 Ram 1500 4x4 with 110k and new front brakes. Since i have got the truck, the brakes have always sucked(as in if im doing 70 a mash the pedal it takes forever to stop and it wont lock the front tires or kick the rear abs in) I have a good firm pedal. I just replaced the front brakes and that helped A-LOT but it still needs help. The rear drums look ok. So would should my next step be?


Josh

 

But a new truck cause they're always gonna suck.
Seriously though, the first thing would be to adjust the rears. They do not seem to stay adjusted well. Another option would be to convert to rear disks.

 

when you replaced them did you get any contaminants on them? like brake grease or fluid. and did you get the rotors turned or at least sand them down to remove the glaze from the old brakes?
what kind of pads did you get? if they are ceramic then thats your problem, ceramic brakes suck on rams.
also, like aubrey said, the rears might be out of adjustment. when i put new shoes on the rear i had to screw with the adjuster a few times before they were right.

 

yes, brakes on these trucks are going to suck in general. however, i would suggest what the others above have said. clean EVERYTHING. turn the rotors and drums...and if you can afford it, get a disk conversion for the back. you could also maybe get new disks for the front, like slotted or whatnot. although, i dont know how much more that would help you. just make sure to always leave yourself plenty of room haha

 

I would have your power booster checked, If you are mashing on it and have a firm /hard pedal and still stopping as described maybe you aren't getting much assistance from it. also don't forget about the GM 3500 wheel cylinder trick. If you do the new wheel cylinders be sure to put some anti-seize on your backing plate contact points, and replace the springs. as said above, you will have to adjust your star wheel every so often. Another thing that I did was completely replace my brake fluid with valvoline dot 4. I bled several containers though it until it was crystal clear. hope this helps

 

thanks guys, non ceramic brakes btw and i did have them turned. (and i also cleaned them) So i guess i will try the upgrade trick if i can find it on here lol. btw adjusting the rear discs? Does that involve getting speed in reverse and hitting the brakes??


thanks guys

Josh

 

for me, pulling the parking brake release and holding it out while pumping the parking brake pedal multiple times works good (truck off, in park). you can tell if it's working if the pedal slowly stops going as far down as you depress it. although jacking it up and taking the wheels/drums off and adjusting the starwheel with a screwdriver until the drums just barely slide back on and have the SLIGHTEST resistance when turning the drums is the best.

 

it technically should do that by itself. i do believe its self adjusting, so if it's not doing that, i would suggest replacing it anyway.