Brake pedal question

mkirsch wrote:
If your friend's truck does not have adjustable pedals, and he is physically limited to where he can't lift his leg high enough to reach the pedal, then he will have to get a different vehicle.

There should be no reason for anyone to have to "lift their leg" in order to touch the brake or gas pedals.

The heel of my foot never leaves the floor boards, I am able to swivel my foot on my heel and lift the toes a bit and easily cover the brake pedal.

In an emergency lifting your entire leg and foot off the floor board is wasting precious time you may not have in order to stomp on the brakes.

As I mentioned before, it IS possible that adding extra padding UNDER the carpet might be what the OP needs.

Many manufacturers got out of control with the brake and gas pedal height vs the floor a few years back in order to prevent a potential "stuck" throttle happening again..

As long as there is a lot of clearance between the throttle and floor boards then padding the floor a bit might make it a little more comfortable.. Might not take much and the padding could be placed only where your foot rests when on the throttle. Just have to test out your changes before hitting the road to ensure nothing can cause the pedal to get stuck from zero to full throttle positions.

If that can't be done then I would have to agree that a new vehicle with adjustable pedals might be the better solution..

rhagfo wrote:
:h :h :h
While adjustable pedals are a nice thing. I just adjust to the vehicle that you are driving??

I drive any one of the three vehicles we own, two are autos and the TV is a stick.

I also drive rental cars when traveling for work, and some vacations.
Yes I adjust the mirrors seat height and if included the steering wheel height, but pedal height is dealt with using the seat adjustment.

I also only use my left foot when driving a stick shift, otherwise I only use the right foot for throttle and brake.

I think you would find if it was investigated, that most accidents when the throttle is pressed rather than the brake, are those that use both feet in an automatic.

I think you misunderstand as to what adjustable pedals are for..

Adjustable pedals ARE part of adjusting the VEHICLE TO A PERSONS SPECIFIC NEEDS. It is far better to be able to make this type of adjustment rather than a person trying to ADAPT TO THE VEHICLE.

For instance, my DW has considerably shorter legs than mine, for her to be able to even reach non adjustable pedals she would have to move the entire seat ALL the way up towards the steering wheel..

This typically results in the steering wheel touching her stomach (had this problem even in small to medium size cars).

That may have been "OK" years ago when there was no airbag in the steering wheel but now days that places her body AND face in the danger zone of being way too close to the air bag. Being too close means you will encounter a lot more force from the air bag, get lacerations from the air bag containment and so on.

With adjustable pedals she can now bring the pedals much closer to her without the need to move the seat. Works much better and she is now able to sit back outside the danger zone of the air bag.

Additional bonus is I can adjust the seat for me, put the pedals all the way down and when she gets in she only needs to adjust the pedals up and not even disturb the seat.

If your friend's truck does not have adjustable pedals, and he is physically limited to where he can't lift his leg high enough to reach the pedal, then he will have to get a different vehicle.

Me Again wrote:
Adjustable pedals are an option on the RAM trucks, at least with the Laramie trim and down. Not sure it changes the relationship between pedals however. Chris

:) Hi, adjustable pedals all move at the same rate. So if the brake pedal is higher in one position it will be higher in all positions.

Best thing about adjustable pedals. When you need more power. You just raise the pedals, so that there is more travel, and you can push them down farther. Instant power!!!!!:B

Adjustable pedals are an option on the RAM trucks, at least with the Laramie trim and down. Not sure it changes the relationship between pedals however. Chris

I'm probably the newest one to Ram here and I did notice the brake pedal difference driving home (Portland stop and go traffic). It also takes more force, but that's probably because it's a bigger truck. I ended up moving the pedals closer to the firewall. I did get used to it over the weekend.

:h :h :h
While adjustable pedals are a nice thing. I just adjust to the vehicle that you are driving??

I drive any one of the three vehicles we own, two are autos and the TV is a stick.

I also drive rental cars when traveling for work, and some vacations.
Yes I adjust the mirrors seat height and if included the steering wheel height, but pedal height is dealt with using the seat adjustment.

I also only use my left foot when driving a stick shift, otherwise I only use the right foot for throttle and brake.

I think you would find if it was investigated, that most accidents when the throttle is pressed rather than the brake, are those that use both feet in an automatic.

RoyB wrote:
My 2010 Ford has a pedal adjustment lever on the dash... Sort of figured the other truck guys been doing the same thing...

Roy Ken

Actually, Ford does not automatically include the adjustable pedal in ALL trucks or trim packages. Depending on the vehicle and trim level you must select an additional option package to get the adjustable pedals.

Example, my 2013 F250 the XLT trim did not include adjustable pedals, but fleet orders of XL package got them..

XLT package I had to order another option package which included the horrid "Sync", stupid backup sensors and a couple of other useless items..

Lariat and Platinum packages was included..

Honestly, after having trucks since 1997 I can say that adjustable pedals SHOULD be a standard feature.. It is a safety issue and without them my DW would HAVE to move the seat all the way up and she would be TOO close to the steering wheel airbag!

I was under the impression the Ram had adjustable pedals, they did back around 2003.. Found that out back then when I bought a Jordan Ultima 2020 brake controller. Had to specify Ford or Ram when buying.. Had two different brackets for the brake control wire connection..

For the OP, what could be done is perhaps add some firm padding UNDER the carpet.. Just have to make sure the gas pedal will easily clear the carpet (which is most likely why the pedals are so high in the air)..

My 2010 Ford has a pedal adjustment lever on the dash... Sort of figured the other truck guys been doing the same thing...

Roy Ken