This 98 I just picked up is missing the piece that I believe tightens the rear brakes when there is a trailer in tow. I think it’s a rod but I’m not sure. It will have a ball end on either end of it. Anybody know what its called? 

Edited January 15, 20196 yr by 98whitelightnin

Never heard of such a thing. Only thing that comes to mind is the load leveling proportioning valve that applies more rear breaking power with a load in the bed. Not sure if that's what you mean. Subscribing to learn more.

I'm with @dave110on this.  Is this what your looking at?  It's #7 in the diagram.

 

https://www.moparpartsgiant.com/parts-list/1998-dodge-ram-2500-quad-club-cab/service-brakes-rear-height-sensing-system.html?PNC=7

IBMOBILE beat me to it 

 

I should change my terminology. It's not a load leveling valve but a load sensing valve. The more squatted the rear end is the more brake fluid gets proportioned to the rear brakes. If this is what you mean I've read that many like to disconnect it. IIRC @KATOOM was in on those discussions.

Edited January 16, 20196 yr by dave110

Pictures...

Yes! its #7 in that diagram. I knew it had something to do with load. Seems i would work with towing as it would with a load in the bed , since the trailer will make the rear ride lower.

It even takes quite a load on truck to get it to activate to get full fluid flow to the rear brake cylinders, I just disconnected the rod and keep the lever in the 12:00 position. I done this a few years back and havnt had to mess with it and like the way my rear brakes apply under just normal driving. 

You could do the bypass kit, its a cleaner look but results are the same, I would suggest disconnecting the rod first and see if you like the results before doing the bypass kit. I have read where people have done this and experienced rear brake lock up but I havnt had that issue in normal braking but only in a hard panic brake situation and then it was nice to know they were fully applied 

The rod is actually missing and my rear brakes are lacking but in great shape. I’ll mess with lever position and see if I can get any more braking power out back.

@98whitelightnin  this might help

 

 

The height sensing brake ( bar with ball end ) just dangles on mine, no way to position it anyway.

The lever on the valve should be positioned at 12;00 (sticking straight up) to have max fluid flow. If I remembet right with the rod attached on both ends it sets at about the 3;00 position (level) as the weight from load pushes frame closer to axle it forces the rod and lever upward. thus opening valve up.

 

I can take a better look at mine, but I left the rod connected to the lever and disconnected it from the axle mount then tied rod off with zip ties with the lever in the upward position, I just don’t remember how I tied it, I have been meaning to install the bypass kit but it’s one of those out of sight out of mind things lol 

So its supposed to be loose? If thats the case, ill figure out how to make it stay in the 12 position. im pulling a camper this weekend and would like better brakes.

Yes, it is very loose without anything attached to it