I cut the rod off with a plasma cutter last year.  But now my brakes are a little scarey too.  I was going up a hill and was gonna stop at a stop sign.  I pressed the pedal in a little and the tires locked up.  It was kinda cool but scarey too.  It seems to only do it when the truck has not warmed up yet.  O well, hopefully i will get a car pretty soon, then full sizes are coming.