My brake pedal is a little soft. I know the brake fluid resovoir is full but I haven't checked the brakes yet. I intend to do that today. After reading the Chilton's book , I have several questions.

1. It says that I have to remove the axleshaft to get the drum off. Is that true?
2. The book also says the brakes are self adjusting and don't need to be adjusted unless you change the length of the adjusting screw to remove the drum. Can I adjust them anyways?
3. How do the brakes adjust automatically and is there a way that I can do that so I don't have to tear my truck apart?

 

1. yes, you have a sterling full floating axle, very easy, just take those 6 or so bolt out on the rear axle and pull out.
2. you can adjust them, but they are only self adjusting if every thing is working correctly. Chances are you have a leak somewhere, probably in the rear wheel cylenders, if they leak it would allow air into the system allowing the cylenders to decompress more making it out of adjustment.
3. bleed the brakes.

 

Thanks for the input! I'll try bleeding them first.