I have a 1981 LJ80 and for some reason the brakes need continual pumping to make them work.  I have bled it off and all the brakes appear to be okay.  Is it possible that it is a master cylinder problem.  It won't pump up properly and you really need to pump them a few times before they grab.  Has anyone got any ideas?  Would appreciate the help>>

Thx

That would be my guess at least a place to start replacing items. If your not loosing brake fluid through the wheel cylinders or out any of the lines. Usually if you pump the brake pedal up, hold it, and if it drops, it is a sure sign of a bad master.

Others will have info on replacement parts if those are hard to come by.

Before you start replacing parts, make sure the brakes are adjusted.  LJ brakes have manual adjusters, and as the shoes get worn, it takes more fluid to get them out to the drums, which means pumping the brakes.  If they are too far out of adjustment, you can actually push the piston all the way out of the wheel cylinder!

Adjusting is pretty easy, especially if your LJ80 has stock wheels that are installed in the proper position.  Jack up the wheel, remove the rubber plug, and turn the wheel until you can see the adjusting ratchets.  (On the rear, both ratchets are on the bottom, on the front, they are front and back).  Using a flat-blade screwdriver, and the drum as a fulcrum, turn the ratchet to the outside until it won't move.  Check to see that the wheel will not spin at all - this means you've adjusted the shoe all the way out and it is against the drum.  Then back it off 3-4 clicks, and check to see that the wheel moves again.  Do this on all four wheels, and you're done.