I know that my truck is super light in the rear since its a long box regular cab and i don't have a tool box or anything in the back. When I hit the brakes on gravel or snow, the back wheels just lock right up and the front ones keep rolling. No matter how hard i hit the brakes, the ABS never kicks in and the rear wheels lock up and the front ones don't, even on asphalt a couple times. The brakes in my truck have always been really touchy too. The ABS light has never come on, and there aren't any codes if there are any for ABS

 

rear disc or drum? never had this issue with mine.

 

drums in the rear

 

Have you inspected the rear brakes? my S-10 fails a rear axle seal about every 3 years. this contaminates the drums and pads with gear lube. once contaminated the only thing that can be done is to replace the pads (and fix the leaking seal of course). but contaminated pads will lock up instantly.

 

I haven't actually had the drums off the truck, but just looking at them I can't see any oil residue anywhere

 

GUY your not the only one .. i wish i knew a true fix for the same issue that im having.. It must be a 2001 thing.. it only happens for me when they get moisture in them ''rain, snow, boat launch'' .. It goes away once the drums warm up..go nuts with brakecleen on the moving parts, worked for me for about a month.. for me its not a seal. but now that i said that ,, it would be nice to solve the issue it scares the passengers

 

I know, it sucks. I don't think i'll ever have to replace brake pads at the rate i'm going with them locking up . I have to be kinda careful around intersections with stop lights. I remember one time this fall, I just left the college and was heading back home. I was doing about 45 mph and the light turned yellow. I had to stop kind of short but not too bad, so i hit the brakes and i ended up sliding right through the intersection because my rear brakes just locked right up. Other times it will stop just fine.

 

On my 2001 with a Dana 80 rear and drums, it used to ALWAYS lock up the rear only when it was cold. Like first time driving during the day. Had to do a brake job and replaced everything, Drums, kits, wheel cylinders, shoes, EVERYTHING. After this I haven't had a single problem, it has been about 6,000 miles and 8 months. Knock on wood.

 

mine is rear disc so must be the difference sounds like you may have oil soaked shoes.

 

I havnt done any looking around but is there a disk brake kit availible for our 01s rear axle ? ive got a dana 80