I bought my first Dodge, 92 D250 and I am going to be checking the rear brakes out. The truck stops fine I just want to see what condition the brakes are in. Every truck I have owned has had drum brakes on back,They last forever and have not had any stopping problems.I read about rear brake conversions and it seems to be a simple job. how much better do the disc brakes stop. Is it worth the cost.Also does the proportional come into play and is the master cylinder different .Can I buy a kit. I am also going to replace front brakes, are there in out of the ordinary issues to look for. I really love the way my new truck drives and am looking forward to getting the most out of it. Also my first diesel. Seems a little a slow speed but has plenty of power once od comes in Is this normal.

 

Your best bang-for-the-buck will be in replacing your front brakes, ... they do most of the work and take quite a beating. I've replaced my rotors twice, calipers once and pads about three times in ten years. Back brakes I replaced once several years ago and they're still fine. Welcome to the forum incidently, lots of knowledge and experience among our members, ...

 

Thanks alot for your reply. The people on this site have alot of info to share.I have already learned a lot.

 

Hey; upgrading front brakes; '89 D250 stock 5.9L ++ a 5th wheeler at about 11,0000 - 12,000 lbs. thru mountainous country; what's out there for larger rotors; multiple- piston calipers; larger lines; good pads; etc.??; any parts #'s and sources appreciated immensely!!
P.S. - as well, intending on increasing hp & torque via some good advice on this 1st Gen forum from very knowledgable individuals.

 

If you want to have brakes that last forever and you have a manual transmission or you have a way to lock up your torque converter is to get a good exhaust brake and 60# springs, now you can use your compression to slow you down.

Or you could install an Eddy Current Retarder to your driveline. (ultimate braking)

http://kloft-retarder.com/What%20is%20a%20Retarder.htm

http://www.alibaba.com/product-gs/28..._retarder.html

Jim

 

Mr. Lane,

You always suggest the most amazing additions.

 

From the sticky:
https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...d.php?t=146673

 

I have trouble keeping the back brakes adjusted seems like they always need it.

 

I concur with ppiggpenn; rear brakes peroform minimal in comparison to the fronts; focus on the fronts;
What's a good lock-up TC for my AT??; Which exhaust brake should I look at??; Are the 60# springs for the front end??; Would exhaust brakes work with air ride suspension on front and rear as I'm planning some upgrades, i.e. - HE351 Turbo, 7.3L Powerstroke I/C, cold air intake system, 4" Diamond Eye exhaust, VE-pump tuneup, rear and front air springs to start.
Any suggestions/comments gladly accepted as smaller Cummins and trucks are new to me, this is my first, Dodge w/1st Gen Cummins. Thank you for your info.......cheers

 

Although i agree that the fronts do most of the work, i replaced my rear shoes with 3 inch ones for a dually and keep them adjusted every oil change and my 93 stops way better than any of my other cummins trucks,

Dar

 

R the hubs the same for a 1T dually as they are on '89 D250 2wd with rear drums? Thanks for any input, cheers

 

hey Jim; The #60 springs you talk about in regards to best braking/ exhaust brake I gather must be exhaust valve springs or do you suggest both int. & exh. valve springs??; What's a good compression brake for my 1st Gen 5.9L Cummins?; Thank you for your valuable input.

 

I think i will be using this one.

http://www.usgear.cc/dcelerator.htm

 

I agree the 3 inch shoes are nice. Mine had em when I got the truck and it stops quite nice now.

 

Despite redoing my front brakes, they didn't 'seem' to perform until I adjusted the rears. After adjusting the rears, the pedal height (or rather, pedal engagement) was effective much earlier.

My D250 stops like a champ now