Picked up an '02 D II over the weekend for my 16 y/o new driver.
Great ride with a few exceptions.

The brakes are spongy. Pedal goes in probably 1/2 or more before brakes begin to grab.

Steering has about 1/8 or so play before turn begins.

I'm not a vehicle enthusiast, but I'm fairly handy with all things. I've changed water pumps and done brakes in the past, but it's been 20 years or so.

No messages, warning lights or indications of anything wrong except the above symptoms.

Any ideas about what is going on with the brakes and steering?
Any ideas of where to begin on these two issues?
Are these repair/improvement jobs that a novelist mechanic can complete?

 

Mileage ?

Brake lines.
Crappy brakes.
Master cylinder
Brake Booster

Tie rod ends could be shot.
Could use a little adjustment of the steering box.

 

145xxx miles.
Thanks for the reply.

 

Steering wheel play was almost entirely because of a bad drag link end on mine.

Spongy brake pedal could be the fluid. Some people put DOT 3 fluid in these trucks instead of DOT 4 (because 3 is a lot more common than 4). So I suggest to change the fluid to a quality DOT 4 fluid and see if that helps. Also, at that mileage, check for external master cylinder leaks. Mainly between the master cylinder and the fluid reservoir.

 

Drag link is not terribly expensive. Is there anything special I should know in replacing he drag link?
Any tool that might be helpful?

 

Make sure that you adjust the new link to the same length as the original. If you don't, the car is still safe to drive but the steering wheel will not be centered.

Tools and supplies you will need:
Ratchet
Large adjustable wrench (for adjusting the length)
A complete metric socket set
Penetrating oil (to help get the ends out of the knuckle)
largest hammer you have (to whack the ends out of the sockets)

I ended up only needing to buy a 3lbs hammer so I could get the drag link end out of the knuckle.

Check for any play in the drag link before you replace it. If it has any movement at all, it needs to be replaced.

 

Awesome. Thanks for the details!