Hello Again Friends,
I've got an '02 Trooper with some brake issues:
If I have to make a hard stop, I can bottom out the brake pedal without engaging the ABS and without locking up the tires. I've nearly rear-ended people a couple times with hard stops in heavy traffic, because I floor the brakes and don't get enough out of them.
The brake pedal also makes a squeaking/creaking sound.

I don't have any experience with brakes, so what does this sound like? At first I thought maybe the larger tires were overwhelming the system, and I was going to switch to SS brake lines. Now I'm thinking it's something else. This isn't bad enough to make me stop driving it, but it's bad enough that I need to find a fix.
The fluid is full
The tires are 32"
The pads are about 12-18 months old.

I'm no brake expert either, but I do know they shouldn't do that. Plenty of people have run tires that big on a Trooper without dangerous brake performance. Yes you lose some braking with bigger tires, but I am running 35s and my brakes don't scare me at all.

I guess I would try bleeding them first, because air in the system could cause that.

well it's bad enough that i don't want you driving behind me ....

this isn't going to get better. so you will have to isolate it. and it could be anything from the mentioned air in the system (but that doesn't just happen, it means there is a leak somewhere and you need to find it), to an internal leak in the brake master cylinder to the brake hoses you mentioned, to the discs being too thin, to the pads being too thin.
it's going to have to be a process of elimination starting with a good look around at each wheel. brake work is not very technical, but if it is a matter of putting it off until you can spend the time, you might want to at least get it diagnosed from a competent not franchise brake shop or mechanic if you know a good local one.

any history to share on the brakes and/or brake work? is the pedal squeek new? then look up under there where the rod that goes to the pedal comes out of the firewall. see if its wet at all with brake fluid (master cylinder leak). also check on the engine side of the firewall. also take the vacuum hose off and see if you see any brake fluid residue or smell it.

//bc

Been there, done that. Mine made the exact same noises. Tried flushing the system and that didn't help. Replaced the master cylinder end of noise and slightly better braking feel. Ordered the master cylinder from Merlin at St. Charles Isuzu. He beat the local dealers price by over $90. That included FedEx to my front door. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Thanks Bob. Do you recall how much the master cylinder ran?

I wasn't able to locate the receipt but I seem to recall that it cost around $180, including FedEx to my front door. I think the local dealer only handled the Gold Plated version because I think they wanted $260 + tax. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/oink.gif" alt="" />