Caliper upgrade

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Apr 9, 2007 | 09:24 PM

Mr. M

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Joined: Oct 2006

Posts: 843

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From: Redmond, WA

Caliper upgrade

Anyone upgraded their brake calipers? I've found a lot of OEM replacement calipers...but I was looking for something with more stopping power. Especially towing and with larger tires...stopping is getting tough.

I already have clean rotors and ceramic pads. Looking for some hardware upgrades. Any simple ideas or brands to look at I'd be interested.

Thanks

M

Apr 10, 2007 | 02:18 PM

alz

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Nov 2004

Posts: 1,324

Likes: 4

From: Michigan

I'm using the PowerSlot drilled rotors, and extreme duty ceramic pads. Although, I still use the stock caliper, stopping power is very good. I used to roadrace motorcycles and late braking is common place for me in all my vehicles. I can't "brake" the habit.

Apr 10, 2007 | 02:28 PM

andym

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Joined: Mar 2002

Posts: 19,402

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From: Bonita Springs FL

I'm not aware of any upgrades, like dual piston calipers, that are available on the F-150. In order to get bigger brakes, you usually have to use bigger axles, which leads people to the false belief that putting 3/4 ton axles under a 1/2 ton magically turns it into a 3/4 ton truck.

Apr 10, 2007 | 03:13 PM

Scndsin

FTE Chapter Leader

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 12,322

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From: Central Mississippi

I tried in vain to find better calipers for mine & settled with the powerslots & EBS pads & Russel brake lines. They are sitting on the bench waiting for me to quit screwing around trying to find an economical rear disc upgrade.

See:https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/5...onversion.html

When I take it down I'll check the front caps for wear & probl'y source some rebuilts localy if replacement is needed.

I'd really like to do it all at once & not put money into rebuilding the rear drums then change it later if I find the key to the explorer conversion.

Good luck

Apr 10, 2007 | 04:48 PM

Mr. M

Thread Starter

Elder User

Joined: Oct 2006

Posts: 843

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From: Redmond, WA

So I gather that my only reasonable upgrade is the PowerSlot drilled rotors. I've always used HD ceramic pads. My rotors are brand new, and I wonder if this rotor upgrade is worthy of the dough.

i.e. What kind of stopping difference should I expect? Less fade? Immediate stopping power?

I guess this question is for Alz.

Thanks in Advance

Apr 11, 2007 | 09:26 PM

alz

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Nov 2004

Posts: 1,324

Likes: 4

From: Michigan

I swapped mine out when the stock rotors were warped. The new rotors and pads work very well and at the same time I did an overhaul in the rear. Standard drums and pads. When all is adjusted correctly, it stops on a dime. I even tow my travel trailer weighing in at about 5k lbs. I have a brake controller and that helps too. The only problem towing is the lack of power, but I'll be working on that.
Let me know if you've got more questions.
BTW, I'm running 31" ATs with stock suspension.