2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Remove rear ABS?

[Jim McCarty]

I have a '96 2wd extended cab. I love everything about the truck EXCEPT the brakes. For the last several months I've been getting an intermittent shudder on braking. It doesn't happen every time and I can't really find a pattern to when it happens. I've replaced front and rear brakes, rotors, drums, wheel cylinders, and front wheel bearings. I've been reading on the 1st gen. forum that some are recommending removing the ABS unit that is near the brake booster. I'm concerned that I'll then have a truck that wants to slide the rear tires, or worse, swap ends. I also lose vacuum everytime I park the truck. I'm considering going to a hydroboost unit instead of vacuum assist. Has anybody experienced this behavior and has anyone eliminataed their RWAL brakes? Any recommendations? Thanks for any and all advice. Jim

 

[GKainz]

Anxiously awaiting feedback on this, as I'm venturing down the same thought path. Getting drums turned (or replaced) today in the next step in troubleshooting this. Fingers crossed that will fix it, but realistically expecting no such luck!

 

[gwizpro]

Had same problem, Replaced rear drums and everything fine from then on.

 

[Ridesamule]

Have you made the upgrade to the 1 ton brake cylinder yet? If not for a 20$ plus change I found that it allows the rear to work with the front disks a whole lot more smoothly than it did stock. It used to scare me when I would jam on the brakes and all of a sudden the rear brakes didn't work at all until the anti locks pulsed.

 

[Extreme1]

Disconnect the speed sensor on the rear diff and test drive it. I doubt that's the problem but if it is, I've got a junk one you can have. Pull the light bulb out of the dash (or burn it out by hooking it up to 2 12 volt batteries in series) and you're all set.



My RWAL was a pain when slowing down on bumpy roads. Just before it stopped, one of the rear wheels would get light enough to lock (bumpy asphalt country road) and the RWAL would engage. Since I kept my rear brakes adusted the RWAL engagement would make it feel like the brakes gave out. That was a little too exciting, installation of a LSD fixed it though.

 

[Jim McCarty]

I replaced the rwal sensor on top of the differential ($88) and no change. Since this is an intermittent problem, I'm leaning towards a hydraulic or electrical source. I have LSD so it doesn't seem like it could be 1 rear wheel locking up prematurely. Thanks for the suggestions. Keep them coming.