better brakes?

[2Farr]

I have a 98 2500 Ram 4WD. It's time for the front brakes to get rebuilt, again. Is there a later model disc set up that might work on this year dana 60 axle?

 

[KATOOM]

You can either look for a newer 2nd gen truck which were upgraded to twin piston calipers and switch parts, or convert completely over to 3rd gen brakes which requires larger diameter rims. Here's a chart which may help you understand the evolution of the 2nd gen brakes. Note that the auto transmission trucks came with smaller brakes than the manual transmission trucks.

But its very important to understand that if you live anywhere that corrosion is an issue due to road salts then its very likely that the rear drum star adjusters are seized and your rear drums arent pulling their weight. The drums on these trucks are not weak but MUST stay in adjustment otherwise the front discs will wear out much faster than they should.

If you know the star adjuster is free then using the brake in reverse is how they self adjust and you should attempt to use the brakes like that every now and again just to be sure they remain adjusted.

 

[2Farr]

I see the 3nd gen rotors are 13.89 The 2nd gen are 12.5 . Will the 3rd gen calipers bolt onto the knuckle? I all ready have the 17" rims.

 

[KATOOM]

My bad... I overlooked that you have a '98. The 3rd gen conversion is only '00 - '02 trucks.

Unfortunately your options are limited. I'd check out the rear drums. You can install a drum brake cylinder off at GM 1 ton truck which is supposed to offer more rear brake power.

 

[JMcCoy]

You can swap everything from the ball joints out with 92-94 or 95-97 Ford F350 parts. This includes:
Ball joints
Steering knuckles
Hubs
Bearing
Rotors
Outer stub axle
2 piston calipers
Hub lockouts

WAY better braking. Doesn't even compare. You also get hub locks to dave wear and fuel.

 

[GrantP]

My bad... I overlooked that you have a '98. The 3rd gen conversion is only '00 - '02 trucks.

Unfortunately your options are limited. I'd check out the rear drums. You can install a drum brake cylinder off at GM 1 ton truck which is supposed to offer more rear brake power.

Installing the larger rear wheel cylinders made a huge difference on my 97. Brakes were great after that and I never considered any further upgrades. IIRC that was a 15 dollar upgrade, cheap and very effective.

 

[JMcCoy]

I did the GM wheel cylinders prior to Swapping for a disk brake rea. The GM wheel cylinders did make a huge difference in the back, but didn't help the front. I cannot believe a performance brake company has not made a caliper kit for our trucks.

 

[KATOOM]

I did the GM wheel cylinders prior to Swapping for a disk brake rea. The GM wheel cylinders did make a huge difference in the back, but didn't help the front. I cannot believe a performance brake company has not made a caliper kit for our trucks.

We're lucky if there's ANYTHING out there for the 2nd gens anymore. Everything is 3rd gen or newer...

 

[ROBERT S HAUN]

For the front brake pads for more stopping power,, i machine a .500 groove across center of brake pad,,makes a huge diff. in stopping power,,you will loose a small amount of pad life but for stopping power can't be beat.. On the 02 -2500, i machine a .700 groove.. cured the frt. stopping issue.. I experienced no less brake life..I also use metallic factory type pads, take more heat,,tried carbon pads but poor stopping..

 

[KATOOM]

For the front brake pads for more stopping power,, i machine a .500 groove across center of brake pad,,makes a huge diff. in stopping power,,you will loose a small amount of pad life but for stopping power can't be beat.. On the 02 -2500, i machine a .700 groove.. cured the frt. stopping issue.. I experienced no less brake life..I also use metallic factory type pads, take more heat,,tried carbon pads but poor stopping..

Any pictures for reference?

 

[ROBERT S HAUN]

Any pictures for reference?

Not good with computer,, just machine a .500 groove across center of pad.. Can be roughly done with band saw and many cuts. Not length wise- cross wise..

 

[KATOOM]

Get a kid to help you...

 

[JMcCoy]

Anyone between the ages 3 - 25.

 

[petersonj]

Not good with computer,, just machine a .500 groove across center of pad.. Can be roughly done with band saw and many cuts. Not length wise- cross wise..

I am interested in this, but I want to make sure I understand what you are saying.

* .500 groove - does that mean 1/2 inch? (just confirming)

* I understand that the groove is across the center of the pad (cross-wise) - is the groove cut 1/2 inch wide? or 1/2 inch deep? or both?

* Are you cutting the groove into both inner and outer pads?

Thanks,

- John

 

[ROBERT S HAUN]

I am interested in this, but I want to make sure I understand what you are saying.

* .500 groove - does that mean 1/2 inch? (just confirming)

* I understand that the groove is across the center of the pad (cross-wise) - is the groove cut 1/2 inch wide? or 1/2 inch deep? or both?

* Are you cutting the groove into both inner and outer pads?

Thanks,

- John

Yes 1/2 in. deep ,, can go all the way to metal but i like to leave 1/16 in. pad remaining...

 

[Joe Mc]

https://puredieselpower.com/dodge-products/94-01-dodge-ram-2500-rear-disc-brake-conversion-kit.html
Typed in search "99 Dodge Ram 2500 rear disc conversion" the above was the first hit, less than $900. BTW most quality pads come with the groove already, both inner and outer pads.

 

[petersonj]

Yes 1/2 in. deep ,, can go all the way to metal but i like to leave 1/16 in. pad remaining...

Ok, now I know how deep, but...

Can be roughly done with band saw and many cuts.

How wide and how many cuts? Also, is it done on both inner and outer pads? I just want to get it right the first time. Thank you.

- John

 

[ROBERT S HAUN]

ONE CUT EACH PAD = 4 CUTS 1/2 IN. WIDE.