Brake upgrade
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Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2015
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Brake upgrade
I have a 06 scab 4.6L 4x4. One of my front calipers needs rebuilt/replaced. I figured I could use this as an opportunity to upgrade the brakes. It's a daily driver that sometimes hauls heavy loads. Just got a new travel trailer weighing about 4500lbs. Would like to have better than stock brakes for when going camping. I am looking for suggestions from others. What did you use, why you like it.
Thanks in advance!
Thanks in advance!
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 495
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From: NY
I don't know about actual upgrade kits with larger components, but rebuilt stock front calipers are quite reasonable ($40 each).
From my experience, I was not too crazy about my 2004 F-150 braking, and a friend who drove mine said the same thing, so my idea was to replace the rotors/pads with reasonably priced premium parts and see if there was an improvement, and there was.
The PowerStop rotors (they have a few holes and slots, and are generally rated quite well) with Akebono ProACT ceramic pads (these were about $50 for half the truck vs. the $25 pads I usually buy) resulted in noticeable better braking and very little dust. Keep in mind, my rear rotors were warped, which could have made the improvement seem more drastic. In any case, I will buy this combination again, the brakes seem more than adequate now.
From my experience, I was not too crazy about my 2004 F-150 braking, and a friend who drove mine said the same thing, so my idea was to replace the rotors/pads with reasonably priced premium parts and see if there was an improvement, and there was.
The PowerStop rotors (they have a few holes and slots, and are generally rated quite well) with Akebono ProACT ceramic pads (these were about $50 for half the truck vs. the $25 pads I usually buy) resulted in noticeable better braking and very little dust. Keep in mind, my rear rotors were warped, which could have made the improvement seem more drastic. In any case, I will buy this combination again, the brakes seem more than adequate now.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
I don't know about actual upgrade kits with larger components, but rebuilt stock front calipers are quite reasonable ($40 each).
From my experience, I was not too crazy about my 2004 F-150 braking, and a friend who drove mine said the same thing, so my idea was to replace the rotors/pads with reasonably priced premium parts and see if there was an improvement, and there was.
The PowerStop rotors (they have a few holes and slots, and are generally rated quite well) with Akebono ProACT ceramic pads (these were about $50 for half the truck vs. the $25 pads I usually buy) resulted in noticeable better braking and very little dust. Keep in mind, my rear rotors were warped, which could have made the improvement seem more drastic. In any case, I will buy this combination again, the brakes seem more than adequate now.
From my experience, I was not too crazy about my 2004 F-150 braking, and a friend who drove mine said the same thing, so my idea was to replace the rotors/pads with reasonably priced premium parts and see if there was an improvement, and there was.
The PowerStop rotors (they have a few holes and slots, and are generally rated quite well) with Akebono ProACT ceramic pads (these were about $50 for half the truck vs. the $25 pads I usually buy) resulted in noticeable better braking and very little dust. Keep in mind, my rear rotors were warped, which could have made the improvement seem more drastic. In any case, I will buy this combination again, the brakes seem more than adequate now.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 495
Likes: 43
From: NY
A caliper is about $40, real brake upgrade kits (bigger rotors/calipers) I have seen for various vehicles were a few thousand dollars. How are your trailer brakes?
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Joined: Jun 2015
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I didn’t buy one of their "kits", just 4 of their rotors from rockauto, the pads are Akebono. http://akebonobrakes.com/pro-act
A caliper is about $40, real brake upgrade kits (bigger rotors/calipers) I have seen for various vehicles were a few thousand dollars. How are your trailer brakes?
A caliper is about $40, real brake upgrade kits (bigger rotors/calipers) I have seen for various vehicles were a few thousand dollars. How are your trailer brakes?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 20
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I just got the camper, so I haven't checked the brakes yet. It needs inspected so I will check them then.
So you used a stock caliper with better pads and rotors and you are satisfied? Do you haul a heavy trailer?
So you used a stock caliper with better pads and rotors and you are satisfied? Do you haul a heavy trailer?
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Joined: May 2016
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American Steal & Cast in America! The only American made brake rotors. I was so tired of cheap soft rotors being made in China. So I set out to find a American Made Rotor and I found "1" company!!
"Brake Performance" I purchased the dimpled cross drilled rotors for my F150 and have not had any warping and I drive it pretty hard. http://brakeperformance.com
"Brake Performance" I purchased the dimpled cross drilled rotors for my F150 and have not had any warping and I drive it pretty hard. http://brakeperformance.com
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Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 495
Likes: 43
From: NY
Mine is a 4X4 if it makes a difference. Pulled caliper bracket off and rotor came right off.