Braking improvement

[driverswanted]

I have a 1985 1/2 Ton 150 Ram Prospector 4x4 converted to diesel (4BT). I want to improve the braking performance for my boat towing. The diesel engine added about 250-300 lbs up front. I also want to increase my wheel size to 16". The questions are:

1. When Dodge went from a 15" to a 16" wheel did the rotor and drum size go up?

2. Did they still have lockout hubs when they did that size increase?

3. Can I use these increased rotor and drum sizes on my 1985?

I have the Dana 44 up front and the 9. 25 in the rear. I don't want to do any axle changeout at this time. If this won't fly are there any other good braking performance improvements I can employ?

 

[Stab]

Nice truck! Many have thought of doing this!

 

[ARhine]

Correct me if I am wrong but dodge used Unit hubs with no lockouts in that year right? This really limits you on upgradeability. Keep an eye on those unit-bearings. They are weak already without the extra weight.



If it is not unit hubs, what is the bolt pattern? The D44 doesn't change much between different manufacturers and parts are very swapable.



I know you did't want to swap, but FWIW:

The front axle is a D44. You could get everything from a chevy D44 or 10bolt from the knuckles out and get rid of the unit hubs. This would take you to 8 bolt with heavier brakes (if you get the parts from a 3/4 ton)



In the rear a D60 or 70 from a 1st gen truck would bolt right in with some driveshaft mods.

 

[Greenleaf]

Hi Barry!! Sweet rig man!

 

[dan brooks]

Correct me if I am wrong but dodge used Unit hubs with no lockouts in that year right? This really limits you on upgradeability. Keep an eye on those unit-bearings. They are weak already without the extra weight.

IIRC, the unit hubs were used from 1975-79, and had the smaller 5x4. 5" bolt pattern. They went back to the normal spindle-type bearing design and the 5x5. 5" pattern in 1980, but instead of lockouts a vacuum disconnect in the front axle was used.



You could certainly swap the knuckles, rotors, and calipers from a 3/4-ton truck onto the D44, and swap in a matching bolt pattern 3/4-ton D60 rear for the larger brakes, but it would likely require going to 16" wheels to clear.



As far as improvements to your current system, high quality parts (Performance Friction pads, for example) will offer some improvement over stock or standard replacement stuff, but probably won't give the benefit you're hoping for.



One thing that is now popular in the Jeep world to offer greatly improved braking with big, heavy tires is the conversion to hydroboost instead of vacuum assist. Even with stock-sized brake components, the hydroboost is said to make a huge difference in braking performance. Not sure if there is a kit available for your truck, but you might want to check with http://www.vancopbs.com to see if they have any ideas. They seem to be very knowledgable and have a great reputation.

 

[ARhine]

I know that on a Chevy 8 bolt D44 15" rims will clear with just a little grinding to the calipers, fairly easy fit.



Putting 15" rims on a D60 like in my rockcrawler... spend 45 minutes per caliper grinding!

 

[TKingsbury]

I think I'd go junkyard shopping. Find a Dana 44 with the biggest brakes possible and get the peices you need. If you happen to wind up with 8 lug stuff for the front, find an 8 lug semi-floating 9 1/4" rear and get the brakes and axles. Voila, bigger brakes. And since you are getting wheels anyway, just wait until you decide what you are doing and buy the appropriate wheels.

Travis. .

 

[driverswanted]

Hey Scott, how are ya?

Arhine. Not unit hubs, Dan hit it on the head. It's got lockouts with vacuum engagement and 5x5. 5 pattern.

I like the hydoboost and better friction pads at this point. Just chocking on the thought of $700 price.

I think I'll try the GM or Ford hydroboost unit. My steering pump on the 4BT was set up for this anyway with an extra port. Thanks everyone for replies.

 

[driverswanted]

Hydroboost for Dodge

I found a Dodge truck hydroboost brake unit. They were available on at least the 1997-2003 Ram 2500 and 3500 diesel trucks. Dodge p/n is 52009644AA and a Cardone reman. unit is #527355 (for 1997). I suspect I will have to replace my master cylinder too. My truck has a 2001 clutch & gas pedal ***'y so I think this will work in nicely.