2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Brake pad size

[JRS]

I have always done my own brake work on my truck, but finally got around to asking this question. When I go into the store for front pads they always ask me the GVWR of the truck. I have to tell the them 7500 so I get the correct shaped pads, instead of the 8800 that is on the door. What gives? Did I get the incorrect calipers installed on my truck at the factory? I am positive I am reading the label correctly on the door of the truck. This has happened at Auto Zone, Napa, Carquest, Porterfield, etc. Not just one auto parts store.

 

[Taz]

Strange..... My 95 is 8800 GVW and I get those pads and they fit fine.

I am running Performance Friction pads right now too. Like those alot.

Haven't a clue about your issue though. . Sorry!

 

[JRS]

I've been using the Performance Friction for years. Going to try the NAPA Severe Duty pads. Hate to even mention this, because I don't want the thread to turn into a brake pad brand vs. brake pad brand discussion.



Does anyone know the difference between the 7500 GVW brankes and the 8800 GVW brakes? Perhaps I received the calipers/rotors for the gas engine 2500? (360 cid) I just had a brain storm, I ordered the truck with 4 wheel ABS. Perhaps the 8800 GVW front brakes weren't available in a ABS? configuration? The door lable clearly states 8800 GVW.

 

[JRS]

Just checked my original window sticker (I don't throw anything away), it clearly states 8,800 GVWR



Will cruise by the dealer today and ask.

 

[LHastings]

I have 4 wheel abs and I get 8800 for my truck with no problem. Is the difference you're seeing is it the thickness or surface area just wondering.

 

[JRS]

My problem is the shape of the backing plate. the 7500 is totally different from the 8800.

 

[JRS]

Now I'm trying to figure out if the 8800 GVW caliper will bolt up to my existing knuckles. Will head down to the local Napa and get the 7500 caliper and the 8800 caliper off the shelf and check the differences. Also wondering if there is a difference between rotors.

 

[Ahopper]

when i replaced my calipers auto zone acedentaly gave me the 7500 calipers. well i think the did. they did not fit and they swore to me i was the 8800 lb ones at the tim. they did not fit the were skinnyer and a little longer if i remember.

 

[JRS]

I found one web site that says the piston is a larger diameter in the 8800 caliper, which makes sense. I'm going by carquest tomorrow and will check it out. If they do not bolt up that means the knuckles are incorrect, too. Chrysler called back and told me their records show that the truck left the plant as a 8800 and had 8800 brakes on it. Actually, the response I expected. now, if the different calipers are direct bolt-ups, I can see their point. In ten years, who knows what calipers I was sold to put on the truck. But, if they are not direct bolt ups, what are the chances that I have changed out the knuckles? off to the parts store.

 

[San Felipe Bob]

Hmm

Will the 8800 gvw pads fit on your calipers?

When i did my first brake job on my 97 they gave me the 7500 gvw pads.

I put them on and they fit fine.

The next time I did the brakes I got the 8800 pads and they seemed beefier.

And of course they fit because I actually have an 8800 gvw axle.

I have pics on my 8800 calipers in my readers rigs section.

Compare them to yours.

I have seen a 95/96 2500 2 wheel drive truck with the lighter duty calipers.



Do your home work.



SFB

 

[JRS]

Eric with EGR brakes called me this morning and we spoke for some time. The only diffference he could find was between the 2wd and the 4wd. (I have 2wd) All 2500's (2wd) came with the same caliper, whether they had the Cummins, 360 cid, or the V1-0. The 4wd has a bigger caliper, bigger piston and bigger pad. Good news is that it will bolt up to the knuckles on my truck. (no problem with brake lines)

 

[Garlic]

My 96 8800 GVW had the no rear brake and a 90% bias to the front issue when I bought it. The dealer did all of the updates with the rear brakes and installed the low friction pistons and seals on the calipers. This helped a little but the front brake life was very poor, about 5K for pads. I don't drive my trucks hard but I do use them and put a lot of miles on them weekly. Every thing on the brake system was replaced at least once EXCEPT the proportioning valve. Under duress I had it changed and WOW it worked properly. At 100K I figured it was time to upgrade. Directional rotors from NAPA and severe duty brake pads for a GMC 3500/HD (The pads are 1/8" thicker) The improvement was incredible no more brake dust, warped rotors and it stopped very well.

For the money and the availability it was well worth the minor investment. There are many aftermarket brake components out there to help solve some of these issues that are load and driving condition specific. I suggest that the operation of the truck is the deciding factor in what type of pads/rotors that are installed. My fix worked for me but it may not work for every one. Just my bit.

 

[radyvolk]

I have the same problem on my 95 & 99. I could make the 8800 lb pad fit the caliper, but the 8800 lb pad is thicker & would not fit the 8800 lb rotor (the 8800 lb rotor is thicker than the 7500 lb rotor). I than checked the 8800 lb caliper & found it to have a wider spread between the brake pad mounts & also a larger piston than the 7500 lb. Since I needed new rotors & I had the 8800 lb pads I replaced both calipers.

Randy

 

[DieselDoghouse]

I too have been given the WRONG pads in the past—the 'eared' 7500 instead of the solid tab backing 8800's. BOTH fit inside the caliper slot because they have the same overall width. Perhaps your calipers have interferring clearance issues??