my deuce brakes keep draging and cant figure out why

[deuce driver]

i have a problem with my deuce and a half brakes. everytime i use the brakes and let off them they dont let off completely and start to drag, it gets worse everytime i step on them. after about 5 stops at redlights they hang up so bad i cant even shift out of first gear, the pedal is completely hard and can only push it in about half inch. if i wait about 20 minutes they release and then start all over again. i know it is not just one wheel hanging up because when i drive through water all 6 drums smoke. if anyone has any ideas on what could be the problem please let me know.

 

[poppop]

This has been covered in great detail and if you can work the search you should be able to find all the info you need. This one sounds like the return port in the master cylinder is plugged. When you apply the brakes the fluid does not return to the master cylinder. Each time you apply the brakes you put more pressure on the shoes until the wheels are locked. You can lossen a bleeder screw at any wheel and bleed off fluid to releave the pressure and move again. This is the most likely problem but you could also have a bad air-pac. try and find those other posts and and every possible cause is discussed in them. If I was any good with the search and posting links I would but I am not.

 

[deuce driver]

ya that is kinda what i was thinking. opening one of the bleeders to relieve pressure is a good idea especially when i am stuck on the side of the road. i guess i will buy an master cylinder rebuild kit soon and try to rebuild it my self. when i baught the truck a year ago the master cylinder was very low and said to only add dot 5 fluid but i only had dot 3 with me and i filled it up, not sure if that is what caused it but will soon flush it out and put what the book says to put in

 

[poppop]

There is debate on the compatability of the two. Most say they won't mix and will cause problems. The Government used DOT 5 because water will not mix with it. A lot of these trucks sat for long periods of time and this fluid helped preserve the brake system. Most of the cylinders I have rebuilt all though gunked up badly honed up easy and were fine for rebuild. When you rebuild the master cylinder decide which you will use and flush the system with it. When the master is apart make sure both little holes in the bottom are open.