Crappy Stock Brakes-need upgrades

[sidthekid]

Can anyone recommend an upgraded braking system for my hoe. It's a 95 4wd. I got this truck a few months ago from my old man...only 60,000 miles on it!!! But the brakes suck!!! I put new rotors and stock brakes on it when I got it but they just don't seem to have the response I would like to stop such a heavy truck. Where should I even start looking for upgrading this thing??? What is the investment for a new braking system..???
Thanks, Mike

 

[haks310]

PowerSlot Slotted rotors
HAWK pads
Stainless steel brake lines

Been running this set up for a month and very happy with it. Can go the same route or spend 1K+ on a big brake kit.

 

[sidthekid]

Did you notice substantial difference btw what u have now and stock? How important is replacing the brake lines??? Are they larger than what is on oem?
Thanks, Mike

 

[haks310]

Yes I did.

The rotors are slotted so that helps with venting gas and getting rid of debris and dirt. The biggest gain is in wet performance, it is suppose to get rid of that hydro planning feel when braking. I haven't driven in the rain yet so I can't comment on this. But it should rain all this week, so I will let you know.

The brake lines help with pedal feel. The original brake lines are rubber so they expand when you press on the brake. New lines are all stainless steel which shouldn't expand any, if at all.

 

[sidthekid]

Maybe its my motor mounts but whenever I accelerate from a stop I feel a 'clicking' if that makes sense.... Would this be attributed to the brakes also or could it be the motor mounts.

 

[foreverfalcon40]

BRAKE LINES!

Theres a seller on EBAY from canada. Sells SS Brakelines front and back. He has a submit off...Got mine for $50 shipped!

 

[sidthekid]

I've never changed brake lines, but have plenty of tools and patience. Is this a difficult job or should I be able to handle it? Any special tools?

 

[haks310]

Easy as pie. Just need two wrenches and some liquid wrench.

So last night I drove to go see Avatar in IMAX 3D (great movie by the way) and it was raining. Between city and highway driving, never did I feel like the 'Hoe was hydro planning while braking.

So yes, slotted rotors do improve braking in wet situations.

 

[sparg93]

BRAKE LINES!

Theres a seller on EBAY from canada. Sells SS Brakelines front and back. He has a submit off...Got mine for $50 shipped!

Can you send me the link for the Ebay stainless brakelines...i went on a few minutes ago but couldn't find them.

Thanks!!

 

[haks310]

2WD
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/99-C...ptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

4WD
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/99-C...ptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories



Mine are made by Russell, which is a division of Edelbrock. They were $65 U believe.

 

[blueflamed03]

if I keep mine, this is an upgrade I'd like to do as well, same setup you have haks310.

 

[haks310]

They are well worth it if. I believe I paid $318 shipped from SummitRacing.

 

[sparg93]

what made you go with the powerslotted versus the others? (i'm also thinking of performing a brake upgrade)

 

[haks310]

Reviews from guys running the same set-up.

 

[sparg93]

have you heard any comments about changing out the rears to disks...worth all the extra money?

 

[blueflamed03]

I'd do front first, majority of braking is done with front. Later, when cash allows, then possibly adding rear slots.

 

[haks310]

Yeah, do the fronts first. They do about 70% of the braking. Drum brakes do a good job and are cheap. Up to you if rear disks are worth it.

I like how they look and the increased braking performace in wet situations. Personally, I'll be doing the swap down the road.

 

[AtomicHoe094]

also changing out your old fluid could do you wonders. When your brake fluid hits air, it absorbs moisture(air). air which is not good for your fluid.

Dot5 is the best kind of brake fluid out there, but is not recommended for GM,

 

[haks310]

Yup, I just went ahead and used DOT4

 

[AtomicHoe094]

i wonder what would happen if you used dot5? i mean its only a "recommendation"..