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Upgrading Brakes when Upgrading Wheel size

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Old Feb 28, 2022 | 05:43 PM
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Default Upgrading Brakes when Upgrading Wheel size

I have a 2013 F-150 with a 5.0, actually my wife's, and she has always wanted bigger wheels to have fill up the wheel well. Just got some 20" wheels and wanted to know if the brakes, to include rotors, should be upgraded also and to what size/type etc. Learning as i go mechanically and i do enjoy doing the work myself. Getting ready for new shocks and struts as well.
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Old Feb 28, 2022 | 05:53 PM
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Well...there really isn't a difference in wheel size insofar as "filling up the wheel wells"...to keep the same diameter tire (highly desired), you'll be changing aspect ratios of the tires, going lower profile. End result is there is still exactly the same distance/lack of "fill" in the wheel wells.

Secondly, there is absolutely ZERO benefit to making any brake changes (note I didn't say upgrade because it won't be one) on a stock truck that experiences normal duty. TOTAL waste of money, don't let anyone tell you differently.
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Old Mar 1, 2022 | 04:36 AM
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Welcome..
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Old Mar 1, 2022 | 12:32 PM
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No need to 'upgrade' brakes just because of a different wheel/tire size. Not even unless you're really changing the overall tire size like on a 6" lifted truck or more, for example.

Also, if you were to find a really cool brake system upgrade that 'looks' nice inside the 20" wheel, you'll need to consider replacing your spare tire as it's an 18' and your oeversized rotor may no longer fit the spare. Or just plan on doing a 2-tire-change on the side of a road should that ever happen.

The factory braking system is more than adequate to stop the vehicle with 33-35" tires that you can fit on your truck.

If you feel the braking is currently inadequate, it is possible the brakes are glazed and worn (not dissipating heat very well) due to age and miles. But not because they are 'cheap OEM'.

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Old Mar 15, 2022 | 05:10 PM
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Default Brake Upgrade

I have already done the brakes once with AutoZone lifetime brakes and they lasted 1 year. Just worn the heck out. We tow a small trailer about 5 times a year so it’s not being abused at all. Definitely going to put better on there that are drilled and slotted since I’ll get money back from AutoZone for the crappy ones
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Old Mar 15, 2022 | 05:21 PM
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I see no reason to waste money on drilled and/or slotted rotors for your application. What kind of brake pads did you buy? Ceramic? Semi-Metallic? Did you do the proper break in procedure for the pads? Are your slide pins clean and greased properly? There's more than a few reasons of why brakes wear down quickly and for what you're doing with your truck OEM parts are more than capable.
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