2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission front brake upgrades for a 96' 35004x4 dually

[JBrehaut]

ibought my truck a year ago. the owner said that new pads and rotors were put on. this past july fourth i found out that not to be true as i was going through bisbee,az. 's hills and started to hear a grinding noisewhile driving in the canyons. at the same time my dash lights lit up like the fourth of july fireworks i had come to bisbee to watch. a quick check found me looking at ground metal on the rotors and inner side ofthe rims. after limping back to tucson at a SLOW pace i talked with other owners of diesel trucks and am led to believe that this is just a fact of life for us dodge owners. i find this hard to swallow. so i'm looking for longer life rotors, pads and a dual piston caliper. any one know where to look?

 

[San Felipe Bob]

brakes

J,

You need to keep those claiper pins/bolts lubed.

If you keep them lubed you will get good performance and decent life.

I actually got 48,000 miles out of my last set. Oo.

Once the caliper pins lose their lube the caliper get stuck on the pins and that causes the brakes to drag which then causes them to get hot and leads to an early death for the front brakes.

I used to lube mine every 1000 miles.

Be sure to check out my pics in the members photo section for some good tips.



SFB

 

[JBrehaut]

thanks for the tip! well now have some good info to help this problem. thanks for the reply. john

 

[JBrehaut]

just went to the web site! man what else could you want or ask for? again thanks for the help. do you know if the newer model (2001 or so )dual piston calipers would be a direct bolt on for my 96'3500 4x4 or where i could get some to fit? also if they are a direct bolt on, would i have to order rotors for my year (96') or the year dual piston caliper? any more up grades i would have to do? like brake booster,lines,ect. ? any more help would be great. thanks john

 

[San Felipe Bob]

Brakes

John,

I have not heard of a successfull dual piston swap YET.

You would probably need to change the entire front axle assembly and you might not see enough of an improvement to justify the cost.

Do you have the vacuum assist brakes?

Do a search on for converting vacuum assist brakes to Hydroboost.

The best up-grade I have found has been keeping the brake system in tip top shape.

Flush the brake fluid every year or when it changes color in the master cylinder.

Be sure to put lubricant on the backing plates where the brake shoes rub on the plate.

Change the rubber front brake lines every 100,000 miles.



SFB

 

[JBrehaut]

sfb, not sure if it is v. a. or hydroboost. am planning to order the performance rotors and pads friday after work. unless the slotted dimpled rotors wont last any longer than stock types. any input to this? thanks,john oh yeah also ordering those dust caps

 

[San Felipe Bob]

Rotors

Re: the rotors

The slots and dimples don't really make the rotors last longer.

The slots and dimples are there to help dissapate heat which helps reduce warpage.

If anything the slots and dimples cause the pads to wear a bit faster.

Think of a cheeze grater?

However it takes less pressure on the brakes to stop.

Sooo it all comes out even in the end.

Be sure to inspect the rotors carefully every 20,000 to 40,000 miles.

They have been known to crack around the holes.

Very small hairline cracks are probably ok for a little while but you should put them on your to do list at the next brake service.

If you are going to DIY on the brake job please get a service manual and familarize yourself with the brake system.



FYI

You might benifit from larger rear wheel cylinders.

The 1 ton chevy wheel cylinders are a tad bigger and help take some of the woah from the fronts.

Note:

If you travel without any load in the back of the bed the brakes may lock up in panic stops situations.



SFB

 

[JBrehaut]

don't have a service manual but i do have a Haynes repair manual for 94'-01' pickups. including diesel r & r. don't travel w/ much of a load outside of toolbox,fluids,tow hitches & tuggem' straps. along with some fire wood,paper,fuel & sleepingbags & chairs. which i suppose add more weight than you or i may think. those chevy brake cylinders will bolt up no prblems?thanks for the info & tips. from your" s. f. b. " name i take it you are a regulr? i used to go to san carlos & bahia kino alot also been down to santa claira beeach once. well thanks again SFB. john

 

[JBrehaut]

can't get to order through your web site as i have hotmail as my e-mail server would like to buy your product for my 96'35004x4. my e-mail add. is -- email address removed -- phone#520-797-1388 please let me know how. M. O. ,paypal,?thanks john

 

[San Felipe Bob]

upgrade

"Those chevy brake cylinders will bolt up no prblems?"

Yep. . no problems.

Just need to bleed the brakes when you are done.



And yes San Felipe is my favorite Baja town.



Send me a PM for the SFB Boot info.



SFB