Weird Brakes/Steering Problem

[DocRawk]

I've got a '99 Ranger with a 2.5L 4Cyl.

Wednesday morning, my truck battery was dead. After leaving it on the charger for a bit, I went out to check on it only to find that the brake lights were on. I tugged up on the pedal, and it snapped out. The lights went out, but when I push and release the pedal, it hangs. I later took the truck to a grocery store a few blocks away. While driving, I found that the ABS light would come on after I used the breaks but would go back out if I lifted the pedal with my foot. Also, the engine seemed to shudder when I turned the steering wheel. Luckily, I've also got a motorcycle, so I've got a little time to work with as far as fixing it goes. Do you guys know a common denominator that could cause this constellation of symptoms?

I've done all of the service on my bike, but it doesn't have power steering or breaks, so, I can turn a wrench but have no frame of reference for this type of problem. I'm also currently a med student, so, if this is something that I could take care of myself, I'd really prefer to save some money.

Thanks in advance.

 

[corkey]

i would say whatever held the pedal is to blame,, it might be the pivot point,, , or it could be the master cylinder not working properly,,
check both ,

 

[DocRawk]

OK... I pulled the driver seat, as well as the dash panel under the steering column. After poking around with a flash light, I found what appears to be damage done by a transmission shop that I paid to replace my clutch several months ago. The pedal cluster bracket is mounted to the firewall and has two arms that hold a rod in place. The clutch, brake, and accelerator pedals are attached to that rod. The right arm of the bracket is holding the right side of that rod in place securely. The left arm of the bracket appears to have had a section of the loop that holds the left side of the rod in place hack sawed out. So, instead of it being an "O" shape, it is a "C" shape. When I depress either the clutch or brake pedal, the rod pops out of the bracket and does not return to it's normal position unless I pull out on the clutch or brake pedal...

Can someone look at their truck and make sure for me that the left arm of the bracket is, in fact, supposed to be closed the way the right arm is? It would be a tight fit, but I don't think you'd really have to pull the seat or dash panel just to look. I'd be most appreciative.