"I un-hooked the brake linkage to the pedal so all is good there"..

Phillip, Try backing off on the adjustment rod from the inside of the master cylinder to the linkage and see what happens..

Also, you say you think there are no leaks in the system. Did you pull all the wheels and look behind the dust covers of the wheel cylinders ? Those cylinders can leak a lot of fluid before it shows up on the inside of the backing plate.. When you first checked the brake fluid you said it was low, it had to go somewhere..

Murky fluid can mean rusty lines. Are the brake lines new or old ?

Keep us posted..

Bill M
53 GMC Hydra-Matic

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When you argue with a fool, two fools are arguing..