My dad has a 2000 XLT 4x4 OHV V6. He's owned it since May of 2001 and it has about 63,000 miles on it now. Overall, it's been a great truck. However, he's had recurring trouble with the brakes. When we got it (from our Ford dealer), the dealer did a break job for us before delivery since it shimmied a little while braking (a couple in their 80's had owned it...riding the brakes?). It only had about 23,000 miles at the time. The brakes were fine for awhile and then they started squeeling. It seemed to be while the vehicle was moving slow, though, not while braking. We had the dealer look at it and they confirmed it was the brakes. After fooling around a couple times they seemed fine. Then at maybe 40,000 miles (I really have no clue), a complete brake job was needed. My guess is the brakes were worn out from the dealer fooling with them to stop the sqeel. They did feel worn at the time, too. After they were replaced, they worked great for awhile. Within the last couple months, the squeeling had come back as before. Tonight I took it out and it felt like the brakes were dragging. It didn't shake or anything, but it made a noise like they were rubbing and taking my foot off the gas, it slowed down what seemed like a lot more than usual.

So, an thoughts. Overall, we've been very pleased with the dealer. I own a 98 Sport 4x4 OHV V6 and the brakes have been fine. Up until a month ago, I still lived with my parents so we both drove on the hill where they live. I don't know what to think but something doesn't seem right. Could the dealer be missing something else that's causing the brake problems. If any body can figure it out, they're on FTE

 

I'd start by driving it for a while, and then feeling each wheel for heat. If one is signifigantly warmer than the others, then you may have a problem on that wheel. If it seems like the vehicle is chewing up a lot of pads, then it could be a bad brake line, caliper, or master cylinder. Does the truck pull at all to the left or right, and if you are on a slight incline, will it drift freely? Could also be a parking brake adjustment issue.

Mike