My truck has just under 40k miles on it and it's starting to shudder when braking. I'm 99% sure its brakes since they haven't been changed or updated in the year and couple months I have had my `02.

My question is, is it worth it to poor a lot of money in to better performing brakes?

I have an almost bone stock `02 XLT 4x2 (with the exception of cosmetic mods), but I drive this thing like a it's a WRX sti in a rally race. I beat really hard on it. I'd like to think it would be worth it, but is it going to change much if I'm riding on General BFG street tires, and no suspension upgrades.

I think Braking is the most important part of the vehicle so I am more than happy to spend whatever it takes, but is it going to be worth it without spending money in a bunch of other areas?

 

I changed mine with oem upgrade rotors and carbon metallic pads. Was about $150 altogether and has very good stopping power as opposed to stock

 

if you drive it like you say you do, then yea i would upgrade with slotted and cross drilled rotors, and performance pads.....

 

They seemed to be better than stock to me.

Rick

 

Excellent question...I've been wondering the same thing lately. I've been feeling like I have to push my brake pedal further to stop. We're in the same boat in terms of stock suspension, BFG's and I haven't changed my brakes since I got my truck. It's an 02 as well.

What do you think of the upgrade kit from Jusnes? http://www.jusnesmodified.com/store/...roducts_id=196

 

Rick what set up did you go with? I know yours is 4x4 so I'll have to go a little different, but do they fit fine with 15" rims or are yours 16?

The Jusness ones look good and seem pretty well priced, but I kinda want cross drilled if I can find them for close to the same cost.

 

I have 16" rims but I didn't go oversize rotors. I'll have to get back to you on where I bought them when I get home tomorrow or Tuesday.

Rick

 

anybody know what else I can upgrade on my brake system? what's he benefit to stainless steel braided brake lines?

 

I can get you EBC or Power Stop rotors, we just havent added them to the site

 

it makes the pedal more firm.

also i was informed that you need to have DOT certified stainless steel to ride on the road.

 

When I had my mustang (last week) I had slotted rotors on the front, SS brake lines, Metal crush sleeve in the caliper (opposed to the stock rubber one) Stopping was 100X better than stock. The ole saying goes. STOCK SUX! The way I look at it. braking to me is a matter of life or death. I have been in several 100, 115, 130 mph runs. Something happens causing you to slam on brakes. yep, you want them there. Doesnt even have to be at high speeds either.

I haven't even owned this ranger for that long and first mod I have been looking at is another set of slotted rotors with hawk pads.

 

Well I think this is something I really need to do. Especially before winter comes....

Bob, I'll be contacting you soon about brakes.

 

I've been wondering about stainless braided lines also. I posted on dezertrangers.com about it and it seems that Crown Lines are the best way to go, and they're dot legal. A set runs a little under 100 bucks I believe.
http://www.crownperformance.com/off.htm
Someone on the dezertrangers.com said to call and tell them what vehicle you have and they will give the correct fittings/ends also. Sounds like a good deal.

 

I was talking to Joe about this earlier. He was saying that they help pedal firmness because the lines don't expand under pressure so all the pressure goes to the pad. Seems logical to me. I know with how squishy my pedal is and bigger tires coming soon this might be something for me too.

 

Squishy pedal is probably your rear brakes needing adjustment.

 

I've replaced my rear brake shoes two months ago, and bled out my lines...the pedal feel is exactly the same and still squishy. I'm even running brembo rotors with hawk pads. They do stop well but the pedal goes down to the floor. I've driven rudy's truck (rudeman85) and with the slightest touch of the pedal his brakes begin to work. His is a little newer (2003) with stock wheels and tires. I think aftermarket heavy tires are the main problem with the pedal, and the rubber lines getting stretched and worn over time.