Just before the car comes to a complete stop, the anti-locks kick in, even on a dry surface. i replaced front pads and rotors, but problem continues. rear drums and shoes look great. this is on a 1996 bonneville se, 127k miles,

What year Dakota? Drum Brakes?

Lock up when?

If you use the parking brake,then the cables
have to be replaced because of rust.

With proper brake maintenance once a year, there is no
reason to say they lock up while driving

The hose could be collapsed internally holding residual pressure and keping the pads applied. Also make sure that the caliper is sliding free side to side.

anti rattle plates are damaged, remove pads clean rear surface apply thin layer of silicon to pad allowing it to dry then reinstall as per std, this will stop the squeak, or replace anti rattles, silicon is cheaper will last the life of pad, but all new pads will have to be treated the in the same manner .

Hard how?

You machined or replaced the rotors
You removed all rust on hub & rotor mounting surfaces
You removed all rust from caliper & pad sliding surfaces
& lubed with anti-seize
You flushed all four corners (every 2 years) brake fluid
You bought the best pads out there (raybestos,wagner,etc)
You have no vacuum leaks at the booster & pedal holds until
the engine is started?

check rear rotors and front rotors for rust buildup (flahlight helps). does the vehicle shake when you come to a hard stop? You will either need to have a front or rear or both brake job (rotors cut or replaced and new brake pads) If the vehicle is shaking when coming to a stop, its probably your front pads. If your hearing the noise from the rear its the rear pads or it you hear it from the front its the front pads. If there significant rust build up or your pads are low a brake job is recommended.

1. did you bleed the system?
2. front and back?

Anti lock brakes are reacting like this may indicate low pads at front. Possible ice on the sensor located on the rotors....

It sounds like you have a sticking caliper. Depending on how long it has been since you replaced your brake pads, you may want to get this done. Your pads could be worn completely out and grinding the rotor. If your rotor is severely scored, you will need to have it turned or replaced.

you need someone to scan it for codes but it sounds like the speed sensor for one of the wheels is droping the signal to the abs unit at lower speeds they can see that with the data stream with a scanner

probably not mechanical. i'd check into the anti-lock sensor.