Ever since I bought my truck a year and a half ago it always seemed like it had a lot of rolling resistance. It also seemed as I had to really accelerate to go in reverse also. I noticed a few times since I've had the truck a smell of something hot. just shrugged it off as the exhaust. Well, today I went to investigate a bit farther. I've read some threads where the parking brake may have some drag on it. I spun the wheels, and heard it drag on the drivers side. I took the adjustment plug out of the hole and backed it off as far as I could, which wasn't much. Well, I went to put the plug back in and it went all the way in. I said my choice word of profanity and proceeded to take the wheel and rotor off. To my surprise, both pads off of the shoes fell out of the rotor. I guess they separated from the metal part of the shoe and were laying around in there causing me massive resistance at times. I took the other side off then and it was fine, but I replaced the shoes on both sides. Now my truck rolls free. I let off the gas and it seems to roll much farther than before. Takes off much easier too. I'm anxious to see if my mpg's increase, I was getting about 15mpg before. It made my truck drive like a whole different animal now.

 

Not sure what engine and year etc you have, but I am not averaging 15 mpg (more like 13.5 mpg) with a 2004 5.4 4x4 on 33s.

 

I usually get 13.5 - 14mpg with the A/C. 15-16 around town and 19 highway with my 5.4 Scab with 3:73's

It should help the mileage a little now that it's free. If not, at least it doesn't feel like such a dog now.

 

I just thought it was a bit more of a dog than my '02 was, just figured it was heavier with the beefier frame and all.

 

yup that would do it, nothing like having your rear shoes break internally during ice cold weather and having to swap it in snow.....been there.....runs much better now but now I think the otherside is hanging up so I have to do thatsoon

 

Just picked up my new fx4 EB 6'5. First 200 miles averaged 19 MPG city and highway. Should get better I hope.