Brake Proportioning
New User
Joined: Dec 2001
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Brake Proportioning
Is there someway to modify the brake proportioning valve to make the rear brakes work harder. Unless I go weeks without washing my truck, I never find brake dust on the rear wheels but will have it caked on my front wheels. On my 96 Impala SS, I was able to modify the braking system so it was more of a 60%/40% shared duty. I got rid of most of the "nose dive" effect. It seems like the Expy is more like 85/15 or possibly less.
I don't like it and was wondering if someone had a fix.
Thanks. -Mike
I don't like it and was wondering if someone had a fix.
Thanks. -Mike
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 226
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From: Las Vegas USA
Brake Proportioning
How did you change the Impala? I am not sure if the proportioning valve is adjustable or fixed. I would guess a different valve would be needed. Seems a little on the risque' side with such a 'top heavy' vehicle, would hate to see the rear end come around and cause a roll. I am sure it is possible though! 
New User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 4
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Brake Proportioning
I'm new to Fords so I won't profess to know anything, but the Impalas are basically hopped up Caprices. Caprices have drum rear brakes, but the Impalas have disc rear brakes. Chevy never adjusted the proportioning, even though disc brakes are more effective. I'm GUESSING at some point Expys had drums in the rear as well. Someone in the Impala group made a modified valve and spring kit to add more pressure to the rears. When you slam on the brakes, the whole car just sinks and stops a lot quicker. I have almost equal brake dust on all 4 wheels. Naturally the fronts work harder because of the engine weight and weight shift, etc.
I realize I'm comparing apples to oranges with car vs. SUV, but if no one has looked into it, I may. It does make a difference.
I realize I'm comparing apples to oranges with car vs. SUV, but if no one has looked into it, I may. It does make a difference.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 226
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From: Las Vegas USA
Brake Proportioning
I hear ya. I completely agree too. Kinda makes you wonder what goes into the original engineering of the valve. I was told that hte Expedition (this came from a brake shop) basically had F100 sized rear brake pads when in fact the truck was more like an F150 or F250 in actual weight. The tech was telling me that he usually sees the rear Expy pads replaced almost 2:1 compared to the front, which is really weird when you think about how litle they seem to work when compared to the fronts. I bet a combo of larger rear pads and a tweaked proportioning valve would give this ride awesome stoppiong abilities. Let us know what you find !
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,742
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From: OK
Brake Proportioning
Well, the Expedition has always been 4-wheel disc, but it's based on the F150 which DID have rear drums for a couple of years.
Are you having a braking problem, or is it just the "dust" that you don't like? When I changed the pads on our Expy, the amount of dust really dropped. Instead of adjusting the system, you might look for some different pad compounds.
Are you having a braking problem, or is it just the "dust" that you don't like? When I changed the pads on our Expy, the amount of dust really dropped. Instead of adjusting the system, you might look for some different pad compounds.
New User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Brake Proportioning
I wouldn't say I'm having braking problems, it's just that I don't think the rears are doing enough, which is why I'm confused about the 2:1 replace ratio on the pads. I've only had to slam the brakes hard a couple of times and I thought the rear wheels were going to come off the ground.
Is there any site where you can find tech information on how the braking system is calibrated?
Is there any site where you can find tech information on how the braking system is calibrated?
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