2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission wheel cylinder upgrade?

[BFrye]

I am replacing the original rear brakes on my 2001 4x4 2500 and was wondering about an upgrade of the wheel cylinders. Lots of info on the earlier models but not on the 2000-01. Any advice would be appreciated. I am concerned about lock up.

 

[JR]

I used the Napa cylinder # 4637337 and have never had any lock up issues, even on slick roads when running empty. With that being said, they do work the rear brakes exceptionally harder. Since installing them I managed to warp my drums. I took them in to have them turned and they were down to min specs (original drums). Since installing new drums everything has been peachy

 

[Midnite]

I can't recall the Napa part number, but the one posted by diesel4life looks familiar. In addition, I disabled the proportioning valve, which also results in more rear brake action. With this combo I sometimes do lock up the rears a little too easy when I'm unloaded. With my camper loaded, it's fine. I'm probably going to reconnect the proportioning valve, maybe with a small turnbuckle to make it adjustable.

With just the wheel cylinder upgrade you should be fine.

 

[ewcmr2]

I didn't know they ever sold a second gen without rear wheel anti-lock.

 

[Midnite]

ewcmr2, you could very well be right--however the trucks I've driven that were supposed to have it, it didn't work very well. I believe my 2000 has it but I can lock up the rears at will.

In fairness though, my current setup (with the larger cylinders as well as bypassed proportioning valve) may simply be too much for the RWAL to deal with maybe? I dunno.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

I did the wheel cylinder upgrade on my 98 12V and it helped some with braking, but like diesel4life I warped my rear drums so much I wasn't able to turn it out and replaced them. I don't recommend doing it.
On the '98. 5 I have now I installed the Blackbird Customs disk brake conversion and that made a major difference. Between that and putting slotted rotors on the front the stopping power blows away any other 2nd Gen truck I've ever had.

 

[NIsaacs]

The '01 uses 3. 5" rear brakes v/s the earlier 2. 5". I did the upgrade (my '01) with 89-93 Dodge dually 1 1/8" cylinders. For reference, the oem is 1", Chevy 20 is 1 1/16", Dodge dually is 1 1/8" and the Chevy 30 is 1 3/16". Normal driving is great, with lockup possible if you are deliberate about it and or need it. It will shut down a load.



Nick

 

[ewcmr2]

ewcmr2, you could very well be right--however the trucks I've driven that were supposed to have it, it didn't work very well. I believe my 2000 has it but I can lock up the rears at will.

In fairness though, my current setup (with the larger cylinders as well as bypassed proportioning valve) may simply be too much for the RWAL to deal with maybe? I dunno.

When stock both of my trucks would lockup front tires first so it didn't matter. With the bigger rear wheel cylinders the rear will lockup first (without load/trailer) activating the ABS dump valve. Not a confidence inspiring feeling having the brake pedal sink towards the floor!