Upgraded Brake Systems anyone?

[mcb345]

Just curious if anyone has upgraded their rotors and calipers to something a little more powerful with more initial bite?

I’m not used to truck based SUV’s and prefer sports sedans so this has been a big adjustment for me. If I’m going to keep this SUV for 6+ years like I plan then I need a little more braking power or initial bite when I push on the brakes.

What do people recommend here?

If it’s not outrageously expensive I wouldn’t be against ripping and replacing with a Brembo or Wilwood type system with larger rotors if they exist for our trucks?

Or would a really nice set of pads give me more bite and less squish in the pedal?

I wouldn’t want to affect the auto/emergency braking systems with any change.

 

[ExplorerTom]

I like the Hawk LTS brake pads. Great cold bite.

 

[mcb345]

I like the Hawk LTS brake pads. Great cold bite.

I’m reading they get noisy after a year or so?

 

[ExplorerTom]

Never experienced that. I’ve owned 4 or 5 sets.

 

[mcb345]

Never experienced that. I’ve owned 4 or 5 sets.

Would you say the stopping power and overall feel are improved with the pad upgrade?

I’ve never replaced pads with anything other than OEM. I’m looking for more prompt braking action instead of the immense amount of travel before braking is initiated but also just want more confidence and stopping power overall.

 

[ExplorerTom]

The pads have impressed me enough to buy several sets of them.

 

[JasonH]

I've heard stainless steel brake lines help with pedal feel. Haven't done it myself though.

 

[mcb345]

I've heard stainless steel brake lines help with pedal feel. Haven't done it myself though.

Yea I’d go with pads the. rotors and calipers before brake lines.

Has anyone done full after market brake rip and replace?

 

[5280tunage]

These don't feel that bad to me, I feel like these days just about any American SUV is going to have somewhat soft brakes. Personally I'd much rather go find a cheap truck (as a third vehicle to have since this thing is on the ship so much) for the $5,000+ you'd spend on a full big brake upgrade. But I almost always end up replacing factory pads and rotors, just don't go to the extreme of calipers etc. I've had good luck in the past with slotted\cross-drilled rotors from power stop.

 

[mcb345]

Yea I wouldn’t spend more than $1000-$1500 for this but if pads are good enough that’s great!

 

[explorersvt]

I installed the powerstop z36 tow kit on the front of my '19, which is nothing more than slotted/drilled rotors and replacement pads for about $250. It made a huge difference in bite, pedal feel, and fade especially having to smash the brakes after a couple hours of summer interstate driving. I feel like next to the tune, its the best update i have done to this thing, and it takes all of 45 minutes. once i get word my new expy is being made i will order a set for it as well.

 

[sixstring]

I put a powerstop kit on a 15 expyEL with drilled/slotted and pads. Awesome performance with this simple upgrade. No more warping and great stopping power.

 

[explorersvt]

No more warping.

yup, forgot to mention that part!

 

[mcb345]

Sounds like an easy fix for parts that eventually need to be replaced anyway. Thanks all!

 

[TheDoug]

Yea I’d go with pads the. rotors and calipers before brake lines.

Has anyone done full after market brake rip and replace?

I have a wildwood tx6r that is in my garage ready to put on. Had the kit and went to install it one day and a fittings threads were messed up So i had to order a new one. It's been sitting around for almost a year and I just haven't had time to put it on. I know it does fit because I had caliper, rotor and everything except the brake line installed. Even put rim on to check clearance of stock 22 inch rims.

I had a thread somewhere here about my install.

 

[TheDoug]

https://www.expeditionforum.com/threads/wilwood-tx6r-extreme-install.43691/#post-395668

Here's my thread

 

[5280tunage]

Super cool info on the Wildwood, probably more than I'll do but i love it. I've done the powerstop kits on a lot of my vehicles and have had great luck with them, I'll check into the EBC products as well.

 

[TheDoug]

Super cool info on the Wildwood, probably more than I'll do but i love it. I've done the powerstop kits on a lot of my vehicles and have had great luck with them, I'll check into the EBC products as well.

There was a sale a year ago and some site and didn't have tax so I think total I paid 1800. Sure beats brembo at 5k.

 

[Modelcarguy]

I would say that if the massive discs on your 3 ton truck aren’t enough stopping power, please let me know where you’ll be traveling so I can avoid your routes in the future.

 

[TheDoug]

I would say that if the massive discs on your 3 ton truck aren’t enough stopping power, please let me know where you’ll be traveling so I can avoid your routes in the future.

Hahahaha, I like tinkering and upgrading things. I don't even tow anything massive, just my little utility trailer. Plus I like the way it fills out the 22inch wheels better and the black calipers are nice.