Howdy folks.

I'm going to be replacing all my rotors, drums and various steering jiblets in the next few months, and I'm wondering if there's any maunfacturers that are better than the others. OEM for everything? Brembo for the brakes? Moog make the best stuff for aftermarket steering parts from what I understand, but I could well be wrong. Any advice/ideas welcome and appreciated.

Keran

Just noticed this is my 666'th post, so lets make it extra evil! Lol.

 

Moog is good quality stuff still. I don't think Brembo will make anything for these trucks. Raybestos makes good quality brake hardware and other components.

Since you are not in a hurry, the best place to get parts that I have found is Rockauto.com. Their online catalog is very accurate, for any given part they will usually have several options from the very cheap, to the best quality name brand manufactureres.

Enter this code in the "How did you hear about us" box for a 5% discount, good until October, 17. 37874033119207

 

Nice! Thank you Sir.

Anyone else? What're you all using?

 

Bump.

 

I get most of my brake stuff from Rock Auto. They often have closeout stuff that is a really good deal.

Stick with Moog for the front end parts. It's OK to cheap out on the idler arm if you want, it's so easy to replace and doesn't mess with the alignment if you need to swap it later.

 

I get good prices on monroe brake pads and they wear excellent and haven't sheered one yet!!! They are somewhat pricey($45) compared to the cheapo brands. Just make sure you set them up properly in the caliper, so they don't chatter on you, they seem to be looser than others. If you want me to elaborate, just ask.

 

Thank you Faith and Nick, I haven't had a chance yet to check out Rockauto's website, (too much time on here! ) but will make it there in a day or two. Nick, I'll see how I go with the pads, not sure yet what I'll end up with.
I'm wondering also if I can get bigger rotors and drums? I was thinking of going to a 17" wheel anyway, so I should be able to accomodate bigger hardware if it's available... or is it not worth it? I kinda think if you upgrade your engine, you should do the same to your brakes too.

 

I've been told that just like our engine our brakes are way over-engineered for our trucks. Just as long as you keep the rear drums in spec.

 

Is there any such thing as too much power?! Horse power OR stopping power. I see your point though, and will keep it in mind. I appreciate the reply.

 

I'm sure you could incorporate some sort of driveshaft brake into your system, just don't lock up your rear wheels ;-)

 

Well, I want to build this truck as a tow rig, so I'd be better off putting an exhaust brake on there. But the only ones that are worth a darn are the Jacobs-style retarders, not the nasty Pac-brake gates that go on the exhaust pipe. AFAIK, Cummins didn't make that an option on our little piddly engines.
Actually, I don't know what a driveshaft brake is. Sounds interesting... uh-oh, you've got me thinking now!

 

This is the EXACT one i'm talking about, can't believe i found it!!!


It bolts onto your transfer case or end of your trans, for direct braking.

 

The tc mounted parking brake in the pic above comes from here.

My brother and I have used their rear disc brake conversion as well as that product on our rock toys.

They are not cheap though.

 

I was going to say i think its more for parking, but the BIG trucks use those(monster)

 

Don't discount exhaust brakes. They work quite well. As a matter of fact, the current trend is to equip fire trucks with them. They are heavy vehicles and since they operate in urban areas 24 hours a day the noise of an engine retarder is objectional in that application. All of them I have been assigned to drive operated quite satisfactorily.