I have a 1992 F-250 XLT supercab with a 460, automatic trans and 4:10 gears. From the day I bought this truck 4-1/2 years ago the brakes have not been all that great. I have a decent pedal but feel the truck lacks stopping power. Either empty or with a little bit of a load in the bed or my 2500lb fishing boat with no brakes behind the truck I feel like I would be in big trouble if I had to make a quick stop. Obviously I try to drive responsibly but am worried what would happen if someone pulled out in front of me. about 6 mos ago I pulled off the drums and adjusted up the brake shoes, I also replaced calipers and front pads. After I replaced and adjusted everything I gave the brake system a good bleeding from the 4 corners with the truck turned off. I would say this process made the brakes about 5% better. To me the pedal has alway felt a little "spongy" I can push on it real hard and not get great results. I don't have any friends with a comparable truck to use as reference, my first truck was a 79 Chevy 3/4 ton with the big brakes on a 14 bolt, which stopped great. My uncle has owned several Ford trucks and he says Ford truck brakes have never been great. Someone please tell me that I am missing something simple and that Ford trucks have good brakes and I should not settle for the mediocore brakes. The truck makes me uncomfortable enough that I am considering a rear disc brake conversion or finding a Chevy. I'm not positive of the rear axle, it is definately a full float with decent size drums, maybe a dana 60. Any input would be very appreciated.
Thanks.

 

Could it be the master cylinder?? I believe that can cause a constant spongy peddle. This truck should have big enough brakes to handle the job. Could be some air still trapped somewhere or the rear brakes aren't quite adjusted out as far as possible without dragging to much. If you don't get a "grip" on it soon, contact me. A friend worked in a brake shop for years and he might lend me some advice that I can relay to you.


PEAT MOSS
1995 F250HD 4X4

 

If it has abs, did you bleed the abs valve? Try that and if that doesn't help, you may have to look for the problem elsewhere.

 

Good point about the ABS. I'm a little behind on brake technology when it comes to modern brakes. Still in the stone age of the older type systems. Good luck.

 

I recently purchased a truck and it had spongy brakes. I bled RR, LR, RF, ABS, and LF and still had a soft pedal. Changed the MC and no more soft pedal.

Good luck.

 

Thanks for the input, the truck does not have ABS. The front brakes have gotten hot a couple of times, to the point where they were smoking. Since then I have replaced calipers and pads and have adjusted up the rear shoes. I'm wondering if my fluid needs replaced. Before I purchased a master cylinder I was wanting to make sure that my problem is abnormal and not something most ford truck owners just live with. What do you think??

 

I'd eliminate all the cheap stuff before buying the master cylinder but, as billman says, it definately can be the source of a soft peddle. I have a 95 F250 and it has more than adequate brakes at 110,000 miles. Yours being older, it could have less of a brake system I suppose but, 3/4 tons usually have pretty beefy brakes.
Price a master cylinder, it might be cheaper than you think and provide a little peace of mind. Keep us updated.

 

If your brake were hot enough to smoke, a brake fluid change is definately in order. My Dad and I just about ended up going over a cliff in his '88 Bronco when the brakes heated up enough to boil the brake fluid coming down off a mountain. Scary stuff when you push the pedal and nothing happens and one side of the road is straight down a couple hundred feet.