I just read about this procedure on another diesel site and felt it need to be spread around.<br><br>Begin quote from JohnC:<br>Does your truck have the camper package on it? The reason I say is that the truck sits a bit higher because of the overload springs.<br><br>Mine never did stop worth a [dang] until I read a post about the rod that hooks to the brake-proportioning valve is not long enough. <br><br>There is a kit from Dodge to remove the valve completely but don't think that’s necessary. I cut the rod and threaded both ends. Then I took a turnbuckle and retapped the threads on one side. <br><br>I put a lock nut on the top and bottom of the turnbuckle and now have adjustability over the total overall rod length. I first tried zip tying the valve full open and thought the truck was going to throw me through the windshield! No valve in my opinion is too much brake action for the rear. I'd hate to hit the brakes in the rain and watch the rear pass the front!<br><br>You’ll be impressed at the difference.<br>End quote.<br><br>I have not tested this because even though I have the camper package, I do not have any brake problems at this time. I am thinking this may also apply to truck not equipped with the camper package as well.<br><br>The TSB he refers to is this:<br>http://dodgeram.info/tsb/1998/05-04-98.htm<br><br>Hope this deserves a sticky. ;D<br><br>Chris

 

Staney - thanks for this info...my truck feels like it gets no help from the rear brakes at all. Mine is a 2K model so based on the TSB it may not apply but sounds like something I should check out. <br><br>

 

Anyone know what year 3500 wheel cyl's. to get for my 99 I read somewhere that it helps a bunch, but I cannot find it anywhere.<br><br>Thanks<br> DRecu!

 

Good info Chris,,,,,
You win a Sticky for a week! ;D And then I'll move it to 2nd Gen forum and also see if Gonz wants to take a look at it for the tech section.

 

[quote author=drecu link=board=13;threadid=13072;start=0#123522 date=1049307238]<br>Anyone know what year 3500 wheel cyl's. to get for my 99 I read somewhere that it helps a bunch, but I cannot find it anywhere.<br>[/quote]<br><br>Hey Drec,<br>As far as I know, you can just get the same year as your truck. They should fit perfectly. I have been unable to find the TSB the recommends this, though I have heard about it in more than one place.<br><br>Chris

 

Hi all, i read the tsb for this problem and tried something new. On vacation i carry a 10.5 ' camper and are loaded pretty good. I have air bags on the rear axle and the camper package. I removed the bottom of the brake rod end from the axle and raised it up about an inch to inch and a half.Then tied up the rod and valve arm together to the brake valve lines. Well it stops a lot better with the camper on. Returning home i removed the camper and left the rear brake valve alone. Truck stops just fine and does not have accellerated front brake wear. Tried it out on a slick un-sanded mountain road and works ok. Shure beats having another thing to do to my truck to put the camper on ! ;D

 

I never had a problem with my old '99, and my son doesn't now that he owns it. That old truck would stop very impressively as it came stock; I must have gotten one of the good ones. The new one has disc all the way around with 4 wheel anti-lock, so it is computer controlled - it also stops very impressively evewn with a load.

 

[quote author=drecu link=board=5;threadid=13072;start=0#123522 date=1049307238]<br>Anyone know what year 3500 wheel cyl's. to get for my 99 I read somewhere that it helps a bunch, but I cannot find it anywhere.<br><br>Thanks<br> DRecu!<br>[/quote]<br><br>The '99 already has the same cyls as the 3500. In a later year they also have the wider shoes.

 

Recalls and TSB's may be found here: http://www.alldata.com/