two dumb questions from a newb

[brother rat]

I test drove a 1999 Mazda B3000 that I'm considering buying. The brakes felt like they were not very effective (seemed like excessive effort required to stop the vehicle). But no squeaking.
I would think that the pads/shoes need replacing but is this just the way that extended cab trucks ride? I'm accustomed to a compact car that stops on a dime. And my standard cab ranger has pretty touchy brakes and stops readily. I'm just wanting to make sure that it's not just the difference between the cars I'm used to driving and that's is just normal for this truck.
My other question is when I looked under the hood of this truck, it looked like aside from the master cylinder/booster/prop valve assembly on the firewall, there was another block with brake lines on the drivers side fender about halfway towards the radiator. I've never seen that setup before, is that normal? Maybe someone could post a picture of the engine bay of a B3000 to confirm.
Thanks.

 

[martin]

That sounds like a 4 wheel abs control block. many of the earlier four wheel abs systems feel like crap. It's hard to explain, but if you're used to driving earlier vehicles without it, there's a definitely different feel to the whole system. They stop but it feels weird. The later systems are a little better but I still don't like the way they feel. That being said you should check if both ends are working.

 

[dbp]

The rear brakes could be out of adjustment or even the starwheels could be frozen in there. That's like a $20 fix and probably take you 20 minutes.

 

[brother rat]

now that i think about it, the abs dash light was illuminated while driving? does that mean that abs was engaged? or that there is a problem with the abs?

 

[bduke23]

Means there is a problem. Could be something simple, like low on brake fluid. It could also be something expensive too. I don't know enough about it to speculate, but someone who does will chime in shortly

 

[modelageek]

like was stated it could be a few things......might even be the $20 sensor in the differential............for me the bottom i line is always price..........it the truck is a good price......then it might be worth it..........all these used trucks need some work....