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1982 B250 Soft brake pedal


bigbaribob
08-28-2007, 09:15 PM
I need some help! My 1982 Dodge Ram B250 high top maxi van has developed a soft brake pedal.

This van I purchased in 1988 to chase hot air balloons. It is just past the 289,000. Repair and replace is my moto. Rebuilt a 360 block at 178,000 thousand to replace the 318. Rebuilt the front end at 190,000. After a OD failure I replaced the transmission with a 727 model. Lost the rear U joint and a drive shaft which broke of the tail piece. Installed another 727. Replace the differential after leaking seals ruined the first differential.

I removed the rear wheels to check durm and shoes. OK shape not worn out but lots of play between the shoes and drum. I adjusted the star wheel to bring the shoes closer to the drum.
A test drive reveals soft pedal on the first stroke almost to the floor. The come up on the second stroke.
There is a swoshing sound when the pedal is depressed.

Could the vacuum boost be leaking? What other possibilities.
Please email me at gaballoon@alltel.net if you have suggestions. I am not always able to wait for the answer at this forum.
Thanks in advance. I look forward to hearing from someone.

Buoyantly
Professor Bob

alloro
08-29-2007, 06:55 PM
Assuming nothing is leaking and you're not losing any brake fluid, you need to adjust the rears more or the master cylinder went.

bigbaribob
08-29-2007, 11:01 PM
I pull up on the rear shoes again. Not really in to changing out the master cylinder and vacuum booster.
thanks
bigbaribob

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