What do you think of these brakes??
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Joined: Jul 2006
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Originally Posted by Grubrunner
I don't think the ceramic pads [alone] had a thing to do with the improvement in braking.
I've had ceramics many times in the past - as well as on my current truck - and a ceramic upgrade has done nothing for braking. It's always improved the brake dust problem [which was my reasoning for upgrading], but has done not a thing for the braking. Now, if you're claiming ceramic pads with other upgrades, then I agree.
I believe it was a combination of all things considered; but to claim that "crossed drilled and or slotted rotors do very little for improved braking" like 05RedFX4 did, well, I just don't buy that.
I've had ceramics many times in the past - as well as on my current truck - and a ceramic upgrade has done nothing for braking. It's always improved the brake dust problem [which was my reasoning for upgrading], but has done not a thing for the braking. Now, if you're claiming ceramic pads with other upgrades, then I agree.
I believe it was a combination of all things considered; but to claim that "crossed drilled and or slotted rotors do very little for improved braking" like 05RedFX4 did, well, I just don't buy that.
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From: central mass
I believe a quality set of slotted rotors will outlast a set of stock or cheap replacement rotors ( that has been my experiance on my 01 ranger) however they will not make the truck stop any better. Higher friction pads will do that to some extent, but only a complete upgrade will really do the trick. And be realistic this is a tank of a truck, my 2000 f150 would out stop my 05 any day of the week, but that truck was quite a bit lighter than my 05.
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From: Albany, GA
Originally Posted by Grubrunner
I went this [almost] exact route you speak of on my 2004 GTO [BAER Crossdrilled, Slotted & Zinc Washed Rotors which were same size as OEM, upgraded Ceramic Pads & PBR 2 Piston Calipers] and it DID make a difference.
Here is the PBR/1LE brake set up and the B&W "Australian" 9-Bolt I built and put in my 87 Formula.
Technical Article Contributor
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: OH-IO
Originally Posted by Grubrunner
I have to staunchly disagree with you.
I went this [almost] exact route you speak of on my 2004 GTO [BAER Crossdrilled, Slotted & Zinc Washed Rotors which were same size as OEM, upgraded Ceramic Pads & PBR 2 Piston Calipers] and it DID make a difference. It wasn't ginormous, but, I tell you what, it was enough that I DID notice a difference in all braking conditions [particularly short], overall "feel" and I certainly COULD measure a difference between them and stock.
In fact, this left such a sweet feel on my right foot that I'm going a very similar route next week on my 2005 Lariat 4X4 fitted for all four wheels.
Frankly, I'm quite fed-up, disgusted and sick-n-tired with these bullsheet brakes that Ford have [literally] thrown on there to get these trucks out of the production line.
I went this [almost] exact route you speak of on my 2004 GTO [BAER Crossdrilled, Slotted & Zinc Washed Rotors which were same size as OEM, upgraded Ceramic Pads & PBR 2 Piston Calipers] and it DID make a difference. It wasn't ginormous, but, I tell you what, it was enough that I DID notice a difference in all braking conditions [particularly short], overall "feel" and I certainly COULD measure a difference between them and stock.
In fact, this left such a sweet feel on my right foot that I'm going a very similar route next week on my 2005 Lariat 4X4 fitted for all four wheels.
Frankly, I'm quite fed-up, disgusted and sick-n-tired with these bullsheet brakes that Ford have [literally] thrown on there to get these trucks out of the production line.
In general, you missed the entire point of my original post. What my intention to convey was that those brake kits that cost a few bills and use the stock calipers in the stock location, and use stock diameter rotors do NOTHING for improving braking.
If you want to purchase one of these "ebay" brake kits, be my guest, it's your money,but my opinion is don't bother, your just throwing money away.
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From: Rich, Virginia
Originally Posted by 05RedFX4
You had improved braking because of the pads and calipers NOT the rotors.
Originally Posted by 05RedFX4
Were the pads larger than stock?
EDIT: I thought you asked if the rotors were larger than stock diameter. To answer your original question, YES, I do believe the pads were larger than stock.
Originally Posted by 05RedFX4
Did the calipers have multi pistons, if they did that will increase clamping force, which will also improve braking.
Originally Posted by 05RedFX4
In general, you missed the entire point of my original post. What my intention to convey was that those brake kits that cost a few bills and use the stock calipers in the stock location, and use stock diameter rotors do NOTHING for improving braking.
Originally Posted by 05RedFX4
If you want to purchase one of these "ebay" brake kits, be my guest, it's your money,but my opinion is don't bother, your just throwing money away.
Thanks for taking the time to clarrify.
Last edited by Grubrunner; Mar 23, 2007 at 12:40 PM.