My 87 XJ has had weaker brakes for a while but nothing too bad. I've noticed recently that when I go in reverse that my brakes don't respond well at all. When backing out of my flat gravel driveway, the tires seem to keep moving but feel like they are being grabbed a little. It feels like I'm going to end up in the road. On a slight incline I've had to use my emergency brake just to keep from rolling away when backing out.

Any ideas when my brakes are so much worse in reverse? How to fix?

Thanks!

 

drums on the rear? Have you checked the shoes for wear and adjustment?

 

Check the fronts as well. They should brake equally well in both directions up to the point where they lock.

Provide some more info: ABS in a 87? Some wierd load sensing proportional valve? Will it lock the fronts or rear if you stomp the brakes going forward on the gravel?