Hello everybody, My name is Alex and this is my first post. I just picked up a sweet 87 F-250 XLT Lariat. 61k original miles and the first Diesel engine I have owned that you can eat a meal off of and best part was it was only 2,000 bucks. Almost no leaks for now. Anyways the brakes are super weak and soft. They work but for having disk brakes in the front I know it should have more stopping power. I also have a light rear antilock light on so I suspect that it has something to do with the ABS. I know older ABS gets buggy. I have hear that is you take out the spring in the ABS it disables it and makes the brakes actually work. I don’t mind not having ABS most the cars I have don’t have it anyways. Also it’s a little off topic but I want to lift the front so it’s a little bit higher than the back anyone know how big of a spacer will do that?

 

don't take the Spring out.

you probably need to Bleed the system and check for leaks.

just pull Code on the ABS system to see what is going on... the connector and control module is behind the glove box.. pretty easy to remove glove box to get at it.

 

a better method is put a rod in the center of the spring to hold the Accumulator piston Forward.

I also recommend that you do not do this either as IF you are involved in an accident you will be Liable for a huge Lawsuit. Even if the accident was not your fault, if it in investigated and found the ABS Valve was modified you could be in a world of hurt.

 

Nice rig! Mine was almost an exact clone until I got a hold of it XD

I'm having similar issues, I replaced the calipers and rotors so I am assuming it's just brake wear-in time, but I don't think it would hurt to look at the brake booster and vacuum pump at this point as I really like it when I know I can stop quickly if I have to.

 

@Alex Reed Glad to have you join us, that's a good looking truck, you even get electric windows!

 

Check your rear brake adjustment. I had soft pedal as well, bled everything multiple times after i put on a new master cylinder and adjusted the brake rod. still had soft brakes. Jacked the rear tires off the ground and could not hear the brakes shoes dragging on the drums. So I adjusted the rear brakes until there was some friction felt. Checked the pedal and now I have a good brake pedal. the adjusters on the drum brakes will not always adjust them up as it was intended to do.