2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Rear brake issue

[obert]

Salty winters here have finally taken the toll on the brake lines in back. I'm replacing evrything, but have run into a problem: I cant get the hose from the load proportion valve to the axle. Dodge dealer can find it on the fische, but D/C # is gon and the aftermarket is not yet available. I can get a hose (for 4 wheel abs??) that would hook directly to the rear line from the frame, and bypass that valve. For now thats what I'm gonna have to do to get back on the road.



What are the ramifications of removing that rear load proportion valve?( is that even the correct name?? ) My '98 has the hydro-boost, will that make the rear brakes grabby? Dad's '94 and my '95 work truck didn't have the valve, but those had vaccum boost brake systems.



Any thoughts?

 

[BeefDoc]

I bought a kit from my local dealer that omitted that valve on my 2001. I think it was just one or two little lines that omitted the proportioning valve. My brakes work much better, but you will wear out your rear shoes more often because they are actually braking. If you need help finding that kit I can talk to my local shop and see what the part # was or whatever. Hope this helps. Matt

 

[V Baker]

Try this link. TSB 05-04-98

 

[obert]

I'm in the work truck all the time, somtimes i almost live in it. So the red truck dont get too many miles on it any more, perhaps a few K per year. I had about 165k on the clock when I replaced the shoes. still plenty of lining, but lost an axle seal and the shoes came in an axle set, so I did both sides. Even if I still drove it 30K/yr and brake wear doubled, 80-some K on the back would be no prob at all, especially if the brakes work better. Do the front pads last a little longer now in trade for more use of rear brakes?



The hose in the TSB is the one I can get, and will be the one installed.

Word I hear (like matt) says this improves braking folks are overall happy. I just wonder what the big deal is on that TSB -- I saw it before and was the reason for starting the thread. Why does DC insist that you must run at 75% GVW all the time, with modified suspension?