I need new brakes, what does everyone recommend? I've been reading all the brake posts and will try the rear wheel cylinders from the Chevy 1 ton.

Will slotted or drilled rotors make a hugh differance in stopping? or are the pads/shoes the main factor? What shoes/pads are recommended?

I'm going to replace the rotors/ pads and rear wheel cylinders and shoes.

I want to make them better but not to spend a fortune. What parts are the best bang for the buck?

 

RickCJ
I just did the wheel cyl Nappa part # 4637337 with out changing any pads or any thing and I can tell you its really worth doing. If you do them with other brake improvements you may not know how much they helped. As far as the other front mods I would like to hear what others have done also. Just thought I would give my take on the wheel cyl upgrade.
ratsun

 

I agree, the rear cylinder upgrade to the 1 ton GMC clyinders is all you need to do now. Its the best $30 you'll ever spend on your truck. Try it first before you go blow $$$ on new rotors. You won't be disapointed..... make sure you have your seat belt on the first time you try your brakes.

 

I didn't get much feed back about the performance rotors, but the stock rotors were too thin to resurface and the performance rotors are only $30 more than good stockers. I did buy severe duty pads and shoes at NAPA also.
I put on the performance rotors and pads 1st, then drove the truck for over a week. The rotors and pads made a hugh differance over the old setup. I would be slowing down as usual and have to let off the brakes to reach the intersections, or I'd be 50 ft. short. Very good improvment.
Today:
I just replaced the rear wheel cylinders with the Chevy 1 tons, they are a little bigger a round, not by much, didn't think it would make much of a differance, boy does it stop now. I can now stop as good as the truck accellerates. The rear wheel cylinders made a bigger differance in the seat of the pants than the front rotors.
I'm sure the fronts will shine when I'm towing and getting them really hot, should be less fade.
I'm sure I can stop 50-60 ft. quicker now!! I agree best $25 yet.

 

My truck is only a 2500 but when it was stopping like crap I repalced the rotors with 8800#+ GVW sevear duty rotors. Solid no slots or anything but man are they thick. Stops great now. I'm going to do the cylinder thing soon though out of bordom