MarkD51
Full Access Member
Vehicle, 1997 Tahoe LT 4-Door 4x4:
Over the years I have read various threads about brake upgrades to the less than stellar brake performance on these trucks. The more complex upgrades were Hydroboost, and some others.
Some years back, I did do an upgrade to Stillen Calipers (no longer available) which possessed a larger Oval Shaped Piston, better Pads, Slotted stock sized Rotors, and Stainless Steel Braided Hoses (3) front and back.
Braking performance did seem a bit better, but in reality, unsure if it was simply the better Pads and Slotted Rotors that largely contributed to the improvement.
Due to stock size Wheels, I cannot entertain anything like larger Brembo Calipers, and am of the belief that Calipers from the likes of the SSBC, and Power Stop Calipers are nothing more than remanufactured Stock Calipers.
But I understand the Calipers that were made for 3/4T Trucks, Suburbans with single rear 8-bolt Axles, that those Calipers possess a slightly larger Piston, are a simple, much less expensive swap, plus then can also use the larger 3/4T Brake Pads and would be compatible with no fitment issues with the stock sized Rotors.
To add, I read that some more specialized Tahoes of the day came outfitted with such for say Police Vehicles-etc.
OK, if all sounds good so far, and one might note some increase in braking performance with such a simpler and less expensive swap, what other considerations and issues might there possibly be?
Will the vehicle properly behave with the larger Calipers on board, or will other modifications be required, Proportioning Valves, or any other needed modifications to go with such a swap without making the vehicle problematic?
What about the Master Cylinder and Brake Booster, were these parts on such vehicles the same as the stock versions, or no?
Thanks in advance for your comments and advice.
Over the years I have read various threads about brake upgrades to the less than stellar brake performance on these trucks. The more complex upgrades were Hydroboost, and some others.
Some years back, I did do an upgrade to Stillen Calipers (no longer available) which possessed a larger Oval Shaped Piston, better Pads, Slotted stock sized Rotors, and Stainless Steel Braided Hoses (3) front and back.
Braking performance did seem a bit better, but in reality, unsure if it was simply the better Pads and Slotted Rotors that largely contributed to the improvement.
Due to stock size Wheels, I cannot entertain anything like larger Brembo Calipers, and am of the belief that Calipers from the likes of the SSBC, and Power Stop Calipers are nothing more than remanufactured Stock Calipers.
But I understand the Calipers that were made for 3/4T Trucks, Suburbans with single rear 8-bolt Axles, that those Calipers possess a slightly larger Piston, are a simple, much less expensive swap, plus then can also use the larger 3/4T Brake Pads and would be compatible with no fitment issues with the stock sized Rotors.
To add, I read that some more specialized Tahoes of the day came outfitted with such for say Police Vehicles-etc.
OK, if all sounds good so far, and one might note some increase in braking performance with such a simpler and less expensive swap, what other considerations and issues might there possibly be?
Will the vehicle properly behave with the larger Calipers on board, or will other modifications be required, Proportioning Valves, or any other needed modifications to go with such a swap without making the vehicle problematic?
What about the Master Cylinder and Brake Booster, were these parts on such vehicles the same as the stock versions, or no?
Thanks in advance for your comments and advice.
