2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission 3500 Brake Bombs

[Texas Diesel]

I am posting this question for a TDR member w/o Internet.



He was told that some members are bombing their brakes on their 1 tons by using a larger wheel cylinders for more aggressive rear braking.



Anyone heard of this?



TIA

 

[illflem]

Many folks upgrade their 2500s with 3500 cylinders. Never heard of anyone upgrading a 3500 though I guess it's possible.

 

[Big White Beast]

I thought that was the 2500's.....

They were using the cylinders from 3500's. For the 3500 I heard there was a bigger one that some used off of GM vehicles. Do a search and you could find more. One other option, though not cheap or easy, is to convert to discs.



Garrett



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=64304

 

[BillGotthelf]

Yes you can get bigger rear brake slave cylinders. EGR sells them (1 1/8") and they will bolt right up to the existing mount. I did his kevlar rear shoes and kevlar/stainless brake lines. Big difference-almost have too much brake now. Very touchy unlike pre-brake work were pedal almost went to floor.

 

[redram]

Texas Deezul,



Have your freind try the Performance friction pads available at autozone on the fronts (lifetime warranty), bleed the brake fluid once a year, and keep the rear shoes adjusted. This normally has to be done manually as the auto adjuster just doesn't always cut it.



The Performance Friction are reasonable (<40 for set) come with a lifetime warranty (I have replaced mine twice) and if he has plus 100,000 on a 2 wd 3500, it might be time for a set of front disc rotors. Make sure he is sitting done when he gets pricing on the front rotors. Unlike the 4X4, the 2WD rotor is integral to the front hub and are quite expensive to replace.



Redram



144K and brakes work great.

 

[sam peterson]

The truth of the matter is that the 3500 should have a 1 3/16 bore cylinder. This makes it the same as the rear cylinder on the GM 1 tons with the same size rear shoe. I guess I should be putting together a package and charging the big bucks for something so easy and (should be) low cost. ----Sam

 

[Big White Beast]

Sam.......

I have always had what I consider spongy brakes. Even after the conversion to disc I'm nopt happy with the pedal feel. Any ideas on how to help that out. I love the added stopping power but on our 02 2500 they just seem to bite way better. I know it has less weight but the pedal seems so much stiffer.



Any input would be appreciated.



Garrett

 

[sam peterson]

Garrett---What type of rear caliper was used for the conversion? Was the pedal more spongy after the canversion or the same? Does the parking brake hold OK on hills? The hydroboost system usually has a much firmer pedal feel than the old vacuum units. ----Sam

 

[Big White Beast]

Sam....

I went with all OEM stuff for the rears. The pedal is the same as it was before no better no worse. We even changed out the master to the one for discs. I'm just curious if the front lines could make that much difference. Having to really mash the brakes for three years to get it to stop may have taken it's toll on them.



Garrett