I have a 2001 Ram 1500 Off Road 5.9 I bought back from my nephew after two years and he decided to sell it back to me. That was the deal when I sold it to him. It seems when I brake going highway speeds I almost get a rear wheel hop or more like a bounce from the rear. Any ideas what this could be? The truck has 237K on it and to my knowledge the rear drum brakes have never been replaced. Thanks.

 

If you've truly got 237k on factory drums that's impressive. If that really is the mileage I'd at least pull the drums (it might be a considerable fight!) and have a look inside.

If it's too much of a fight you'll trash the drums in the process of getting them off, though.

The Astro drum puller along with a quality air hammer around the WMS can work wonders. Leave ONE lugnut on loosely!!!

Sometimes your symptoms can be tires, you might try rotating first and see if anything changes

 

I've rotated the tires. Could be those mud tires my nephew put on when he had it. They still got a lot of miles left on them. My guess is it's probably the brakes.

 

Yeah, when I bought my 96, stepping on the brakes was not a fun experience.... all sorts of rude noises, shakes, and other such shenanigans. Pulled the drums, and discovered the shoes were down to the rivets. Swapped out the shoes, turned the drums, and the brakes were MUCH better.....

 

How are the shock absorbers in the rear? If you're getting some wheel hop when braking, sounds like the shocks are pretty much worn out.

 

A little trick I've used over the years for REALLY rusted on drums is to jack the truck up and remove the wheels. Soak the holes where the studs go through with penetrant. With a small piece of wood, a piece of 2X4 or 2X2, use a jack to raise under the edge of the drum. Not enough to lift it off th jack stand, just put outward pressure on the drum. A propane torch to heat it up and then wail away with a DBH. Unless the drum has a ridge inside, whacking the snot out of it makes you feel better and can pop the drum loose.

 

I've had success with just the BFH.... I use a five pound single jack. Generally, two or three good whacks, and the drums pop off.

 

I've had jobs over the years you wouldn't believe. In a few cases, I was the last resort before the smoke wrench came out. I've got one drum that the torch had to be used to gain access to the hold down hardware. It had a nearly 1/4 inch lip from never being turned. Drums on for years and aluminum rims on steel drums for years have been the bane of my existence many times.

Newer cars with 4 wheel discs I've not fooled with much. The older brakes, both juice and mechanical, are the ones I've dealt with over the years. Gotta love the old Chrysler, non-self energizing brakes before 1965.

 

With that many miles, I'd get drums, shoes, hardware kits, and new wheel cylinders. Check Rock Auto for decent prices. I like Wagner or AC Delco brake parts.