I have an 08 F150 4x4 Lariat Crew cab, I just had a 3" leveling kit installed and I'm looking to upgrade the tires to 35x10.5. I was told I may need to upgrade brakes also due to the weight difference in the tires ? these trucks are made to carry extra weight, pull extra weight so do you guys think this is a valid argument? I do go off road, but nothing extreme

 

Was the guy telling you this the same as the guy trying to sell you brakes? Larger tires will have a small impact on the braking but nothing to worry about.

 

nope a co worker that 'know's everything'
thanks for the sanity check, I think my wrench would have suggested upgrading the brakes if I needed
thanks

 

You could try putting on better pads and rotors, but stay with the original rotors diameter. A powerstop rotor and Z-36 pad set for the front and rear will set you back about 5 bills and is light years better than the factory brakes. Putting on a real upgrade like baer brakes 15" kit will run around 4K per axle.

This is just my opinion, but I'm a firm believer in you can never have enough brake capacity. My mustang has 15" brembo's with six piston calipers in the front that were factory installed. The stopping power is unbelievable, I actually have to check my rear view mirror to see how close the car behind me is because I'm afraid they might rear end me if I stop short.

 

You don't even have to spend that much for improved brakes. A set of premium Centric rotors and ceramic pads will make a difference and are reasonably priced.

Rockauto.com:

CENTRIC 12065100 Premium Disc
Fits Front; 4WD; 6 Lug
$52.79

CENTRIC 10510110 Posi-Quiet Ceramic w/Shims and Hardware
Front
$32.79

I got 115k miles out of a set of these on mine, they were quiet, smooth, and virtually no dust.

 

Larger diameter tires reduce the mechanical advantage of the brakes and the brakes will be less effective.

 

- that's kinda what I was thinking, I've done the same on my 01 Firebird, makes sense to at the very least upgrade pads, rotors