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What About A Brake Upgrade?

T

tincup

SM 2003
Full Member
Joined
Jan 4, 2003
Messages
196
Location
Grampian, PA
We all want to go faster, add bigger tires, etc., but what about stopping. I'm interested to see if anyone has done a brake upgrade. Either a simple new rotor installation, (Cross drilled or slotted), OR a major installation.

Especially for you guys that have added monster tire and wheel combos, as you increase wheel diameter, you need to increase brake diameter as well. (Autoweek magazine had a very interesting article on this a few months ago).

Any insight on this?

Tincup
 
No insights here, but it's something I've been thinking about.

I want to keep it rather simple. All I'm really looking for is some more "bite" when I go for the pedal. I'm not crazy about the sort of "wooden" feeling I have.

I think a good set of brake pads could take care of that, but I don't particularily want to comprimise rotor-life and brake pad life.

My '00 S10's brakes lasted a full 100K w/out replacement, and the had great feel. I want the same here!

If I really dug into it, I'd look for a touch more proportioning to the front wheels. I find myself locking the rears a hair too easy sometimes.

Actually, now that I put some brain cells towards this, adding some more power to the front's could possibly add the "bite" I'm looking for. The rears could be recieving more power than they need, and they don't typically provide much of any feedback to the driver...

I'll have to pay more attention to everything next time I'm driving.
 
I will be upgrading the pads & rotors sometime next month. (more on this when I decide on the components) I want to add the Baer System but it's just too much $ right now.

Especially for you guys that have added monster tire and wheel combos, as you increase wheel diameter, you need to increase brake diameter as well.
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There are more important factors than just diameter. Pad compound, rotor composition, number of pistons in the calipers, etc. all factor in to the brake systems abilities. Just remember that rotor diameter is not the same as surface swept area. I would worry more about the strength of the system looking at different pad compounds, braided lines, better rotors,keeping the fluid in the system clean by flushing it every year to year and a half then just thinking well, I don't have $3,000 right now so I'll just leave it. With a serious performance upgrade or a set of 35's / 37's the brake system should be addressed, but can sometimes be done without the need for increasing the rotor diameter.
 
I agree with an upgrade! I've been thinking about getting rid of that horrible GM ABS. Notice when you active it and your brake go almost completely out? Go around a corner and hit the brakes, with brakes on hit a pothole...there went the brakes. Don't like that pesty traction control either...least it has a button! ;D
 
My ABS system came on last friday when it was snowing and It felt like my brakes went out, I ended up droping it down to first to slow my truck down, and I kept on sliding so I had to go around the cars in front of me, because I would not have stopped in time. I am definitely interested in better brakes.

-James R :cool:
 
Some links for brake upgrades:
Baer Brakes

Available at: Site Sponsor - Tbyrne

Stillen

Brembo

Just to name a few...
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19916381.jpg

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HOW MUCH BRAKE DO YA' WANT?
Pictire is of a Lamb Carbon/Carbon Brake System for a Top Fueler
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How about a Mod for the parking brake. :9:

You know something that could hold the AV against a breeze!?!

 
;)Which works better, draging an anchor or draging our parking brake. An inquiring mind wants to know ??? :p :rolleyes:

>:D
 
Ok, I searched but didn't find anything. Theoriticlly there's at least 2 ways to diable the ABS.

What would you think is the best way? I'm thinking of plugging the bypass ports.

Opinions anyone?

Lex Luthor
PS It's ya'lls fault...get me thinking about the inadaquacy of something on my truck!
 
I don't much about these, but , Steve Pasztor - the Dallas Zaino rep also does brakes. try:

greatbrakes.com.

I'd be interested in any feedback about these.
 
I'm thinking of doing an upgrade to the new Stillen AP Brake Kit, any opinions other than the costs $$ http://www.stillen.com/Supertrucks_detail.asp?cat=1&subcat=328&Brand=&id=36680&page=1

Thanks!
 
ABS on icy/snowy conditions is an interesting subject. Car and Driver did some tests which confirmed what we in the north (Canada) have known for some time. ABS is a problem on very icy conditions particularly with snow on the top. You can stop much faster under these conditions with locked wheels (the snow tends to pile up in front of the wheels). Some people take the fuse out in the winter to disable the ABS system (at least on my last truck havn't looked at the AV yet for that).

Al
 
Performance products.com has several performance brake packages. There catalog also has stock size 12.5 inch slotted rotors at a reasonable price. I personally which they would come out with a slotted cross drilled light weight rotor to fit the stock wheels.
 
Interesting....this thread (at least for now) is right after the "how fast top end thread". :D
 
I did it. I upgraded the brakes to Stillen. Here's a picture from my previous post on Suspensions.
 

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Has there been any investigation, into this type of parking brake, for the Av?

From All-Pro

Transfer Case Mounted Disc Parking Brake
This parking brake kit hooks up directly to the stock parking brake cable. This kit provides dramatically increased braking over the stock parking brake. Will hold truck on a 45 degree hill (tranny in neutral). Kit bolts onto the back of the transfer case. No drive shaft modifications needed. Fits all gear drive 4cyl transfer case equipped pickups and 4Runners. V6 application not available at this time. Can be used with drum or disc brakes. Black painted finish. Caliper available separately for the those interested in building their own setup.

Disc Parking brake kit $195
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Saw trucks this weekend and they showed a disk parking brake that locks out the drive shaft near the transfer case.

I belive that is what is shown above?

For me up grade to SSB Tri Power front and back w/SS brake lines.

After 50k on stockers (125lb 35's) time to up grade.

{Tax return} (y)
 
That's how I got the idea to investigate this type of parking brake. But, I can't find the brand Stacey mentioned on the show. I thought he said "High Line Suspension"?
 
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