Some brake issues

I have a 57 willys cj, although it has tell-tell signs that it is an M38A1, none the less, my brakes are really tight, it is difficult to press the pedal and it slows down rather than stops, what could the problem be? It is all original except for the new wheels and tires on it. Could bleeding the brakes fix the problem? I'm pretty new at this so any help would be great.

 

Not really, it just hardly stops, it has been sitting for about 6 months, just starting it up once a week

 

NEW WHEELS AND TIRES........ hmmmm. Are they oversized? If so, they could be too much for 9" brakes to handle.

X3 on the froze up wheel cylinders or even master cyl. Bob in Arkansas

 

The tires are 31X10.5, but i was having the problem before I put them on. I just put some older pictures of it up on an album

 

if it is a wheel cylinder, how much would it cost to fix and would i be able to do it myself?

 

Not hard to do, you should look at your brakes anyway. If your pads etc are shot and you need a few wheel cylinders then now would be a great time to upgrade to 11" drums. should really check all your brake lines and master cylinder as well and flush system adding new fluid.

 

Early brakes are easy to repair or replace parts, rust or seized bolts or adjusters complicate the matter. Get some jack stands and remove the drums off the front for a start. OOPS do you have a manual? Better get one to help. Check for broken springs etc, spray PB blaster on the brakeline where it enters the wheel clyinder and the bolts to let them soak. Order parts from Turner 4wd in altanta http://www.thejeep.com and you should have them in a couple of days. Post what parts you need help with and we'll talk you though it.