HotWheelsBurban
Gotta have 4 doors..... Rawhide, TOTY 2023!
Glad to hear someone else recommend replacing the brake hardware and cleaning everything properly, and using brake--specific lubricant. If the parts can't move around properly, they won't work right (not something you really want in the brakes! ).Some things that weren't mentioned. Make sure the calipers float properly. If they don't it can lead to a high/hard or low/soft pedal. Bolt the caliper down with no pads. Then push the caliper in (toward the center of the truck) and out. If you can't move it with one finger (you may have to push FIRMLY with one finger) find out why and fix it. Usually it is the rubber stuff causing the issue clean or replace it and lube it with silicone brake grease. The rear shoes dig into the backing plates and leave a flat "V" shaped groove. Grind/polish it flat, Weld/braze it up and grind it or replace the backing plates. Also "polish" the parts of the brake shoes with a wire wheel or sandpaper. You just want it smooth without making it shorter. Lube the raised pads on the backing plates with a TINY amount of moly or graphite. Coloring it with a regular No.2 pencil is fine if you made it smooth enough. With the groove when you are creeping to a stop the shoes get stuck in the groove which gives you a high hard pedal and makes the fronts do all the work. And when you stop more firmly they jump the groove and toss you out on the hood. Replace ALL the brake drum hardware. It is dirt cheap and makes them more consistent
Braided PTFE hoses are the only way to go. Makes a HUGE difference even over brand new rubber hoses.
Earl's Solo-Bleed bleed screws are the best. Pricy though.
Ceramic pads and shoes are easy on the rotor/drums, make very little brake dust, grab a bit better, and last a long time. The Powerstop Z-16 pads are great for a daily driver. Follow the pad/shoe bedding in process that the manufacturer recommends. It DOES make a difference.
Fair warning: If you do braided hoses and Solo Bleeds on one vehicle you WILL do them for everything else you own!
O.K. I'm off my soapbox now. Go have fun!