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I have a newer model truck with 4 wheel anti-lock disc brakes. I have noticed that at times while driving off road, my brake pedal becomes very stiff and will not depress or slow the truck. When this happens I also get a grinding noise from the front of the truck. After a little pumping it stops and I get the wheels to stop spinning, but I have had one or two close calls, fortunately I was not following too close. I figure I am just getting some gunk in between the caliper and rotor, but if anyone thinks it is more serious please let me know.
what you have is ABS freaking out. yup that "safety system" can actually be pretty dangerous. Chevys are designed for the street, not off road.
I have had a few close calls with my 95 Jimmy on the ice because of the ABS screwing up. It quit working so now I have an ABS light on...oh well at least it stops better now.
If you want to keep control of your vehicle off road you should very seriously consider adapting your trucks ABS system. The easiest thing you can do is to wire your ABS system via a dash mounted switch. When off road, turn off the ABS when you get back on pavement turn it back on. This will most probably save your life if you get into a stiuation where your ABS takes control while you slide off the road into God know where.
You can find posts about how to do this all over the net or go to your shop manual and look at the wiring. Most Fords have the ABS in the fuse box inside the engine compartment a simple jumper and your in control. By the way, use a switch with a light so you know the ABS is on you don't want to get into an accident on pavement due to switch positions.
Not all people who drive off road are good at it. Some are fools, some take stupid chances. I worked at a mine in the Sierra which was 14 miles from the highway. Had to drive this unimproved rut of a road everyday for three years regardless of the weather. Sometimes it was fun, most times it was not. Got to learn how to "process" when scared to death as the drop offs on this road were over 800 feet. When the snow is four feet high and ice is on the bottom and your the first one in for the day, it can be interesting.
Wow, that's a good idea with turning the abs off, I will definately look into it. For now I will make sure to maintain the safe following distance that I have been.