Sounds as though you still have air in the cylinders at rear.
The metering valve should be pressed down while bleeding the brakes. This is one of the steps to changing brakes.
No
If you didn't bench bleed the master you need to do that before you install the master.
If the brakes are not working on the back of a 1997 Dodge 1500 after changing the brake pads, try bleeding the brakes. The fault may also be with the master cylinder under the hood. Check to make sure all brake lines are connected.
Not really an answer, but another question... did you bleed the brakes after you changed them? I remember that is a critical step, NOT to be missed when working on the brakes. Hope this helps.
Bleed the furthest from the master cylinder 1st then the rest in order of distance from the master cylinder.
Bleed the brakes starting at the wheel farthest away from of the master cylinder and work towards the closest.
Bleed the master cylinder.& then rebleed the system.
You start again -sorry, no option if you want to do it properly.
The master cylinder MUST be bleed first before any bleeding at the wheels can occur. if you do not do this, you will be bleeding for hours.
Failed Master Cylinder would be my guess. Replace the Master Cylinder.
the rear is usually smaller and closer to the brake booster