Reguarding the strange braking problem,

My Vanagon has displayed the same irregular and typically long brake
pedal travel.  After checking the rest of the system, bleeding it,
adjusting rear shoes, and replacing all hoses I rebuilt the MC.  My
problem perstisted and so I bought a new MC.  I still have the problem
and have decided that it is caused by improperly adjusted rear brake
shoes.  The reason I didn't notice this at first is that I typically
adjust the shoes out to the point where you can just slip the drum on.
 My drums have recesses where the shoes contact the drum.  This recess
means that while it is hard to slip the drum on the shoe is still
loose.  Another reason while I believe that the problem originates at
the rear wheels for me is that just after releasing the parking brake
my pedal always feels great (doesn't travel far).  I just wanted to
add some information.  Also if anyone wants a rebuilt mc just let me
know..

Jonathan Poole
'82 westy