2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Change to 03 front axel

[moparguy]

The brakes on my 95 3500 are not up to stuff, when I pull out west with a 12k trailer I can't stop as well as I'd like. I've done the Chev. rear wheel cylinder upgrade (it's good), trailer brakes are good and I have an exhaust brake, just want/need more.



I'm considering swapping out to 03 front/rear axle assemblies, just wondering if anyone has or can comment on what's involved.



Thanks



RR

 

[KHelfrich]

i have 02 axles and i have the 03 up front calipers and roters it all bolts right up but the bolts for the front axle are a little larger and you need to drill out the holes in the front control arms, im not sure if your master cylinder will work or not but you should just go ahead and upgrade to a hydroboost system you just need the booster and lines thats what i did to my truck if you have any other questions or want to call me then just pm me and i will give you my number

 

[Cummins Thunder]

I thought you needed 17" wheels to clear the third gen front brakes?

 

[DLausche]

That is correct - you will need 17" wheels to clear the brakes on the newer axles. Hopefully AlphaCowboy sees this thread. He has the newer axles on his 2000 and has good knowledge of what is involved in such a swap - although his truck is a SRW. I think the front was a fairly easy swap - maybe a change to the sway bar links. Rear needs to have different spring perches welded onto the axle. Drive Shaft may need to be swapped or length changed.

 

[EBung]

I dont see any advantage to the newer front axles other than the brakes and those can be swapped. The 03+ fronts are also lacking a CAD and your front shaft turns all the time.

 

[moparguy]

Good info above. I've read snippets of threads about this in the past on various sites. Sounds like I need to find a 2002 (I wonder what other years work,,,, my 95?) front axle assembly, then swap on the 03 brake components. I hadn't thought about needing 17" wheels, (and I just put on new tires).



Timing on this is good on my truck since I'm looking at changing out tierod ends and ball joints soon, may as well upgrade.



Anyone have a good "How To" thread saved that you'd share?

 

[EBung]

I think they upgraded the calipers in 99 or 00 I believe.

 

[Jeff Knight]

The late 02 axles don't have the CAD system... . Jeff

 

[Curious Dave]

Could someone shed some more light on th 03 brakes on an 01 conversion? I have 19. 5's already so the wheel diameter is already handled.



Thanx

 

[EBung]

You'll need 03-06 caliper brackets,rotors and pads. You can also use 03-06 calipers if you want and you can also convert the rear to if you have rear discs. I know from experience with the above parts it is a bolt on swap for the fronts,havent done the rears yet.

 

[Curious Dave]

EBung... Thanx... Let us know when and if you get to the rears.

 

[Cummins Thunder]

Good info above. I've read snippets of threads about this in the past on various sites. Sounds like I need to find a 2002 (I wonder what other years work,,,, my 95?) front axle assembly, then swap on the 03 brake components. I hadn't thought about needing 17" wheels, (and I just put on new tires).



Timing on this is good on my truck since I'm looking at changing out tierod ends and ball joints soon, may as well upgrade.



Anyone have a good "How To" thread saved that you'd share?

FYI, I have installed 03-07 tie rod ends and drag links on my 02. I am not sure if they will fit your 95???

 

[LVJUNIOR]

egr brakes conversion

I put a rear disc conversion kit, slotted roters, upgraded pads and stainless braided kevlar lines all from EGR brakes. My truck is very heavy at 9600# empty. I towed a Big Tex goosneck with 200 bails of hay last weekend. My trailer brake controler was fried so I only had my trucks service brakes. I was able to controll the wieght very well. If you start with the rear disks it should help dramaticaly.



Also if you have the rear proportioning valve on your rear brakes, Egr sells a longer hose that bypasses it. I was not getting full braking with that valve so mine hit the bin.