Stamey

Been there, wanted to do that. In the case of a 4x4, 94-99, they won't talk to 2000-2002 knuckles and other parts. Problem is that the ball joints go in from the bottom on the 94-99 and from the top on the 2000-2002+. This makes then incompatible with other years. I checked this out before, and took pictures. I so wish it could be worked out, but no.
I also hoped that the bracket for the caliper on the 2000-2002 trucks, that bolts to the knucle, would be the same bolt pattern as the 94-99 trucks, but no, that won't work either.
As far as 2x4's or 2003+, I can't comment because I have not researched any of that.

Chris

coalburner400

Thanks Stamey

If I gather what you're saying, my truck should be compatible with the 2003 and up 13.9" brakes?

I drive a 2001.5

My neighbor was off to work before I could check for my self.

XLR8R

Don't the newer trucks have 15" rotors?

Stamey

Sorry, my info is only for converting 94-99's 4x4's to the 2000+ dual piston caliper system. I researched this up close and personal because I'm not happy with the brakes on my 96 or 99.
I know nothing about 2000-2002 upgrades to 2003+ stuff and can make no comments about it.
The easiest way to do the comparison is with an auto parts store. I went to Napa and had them pull calipers so I could compare them, measure them, etc. The rotors will be a bit more difficult because the parts store won't have the brackets you have to clear if you try to change the rotor size.

Chris

patdaly

Ok, so that part is out, but a couple of questions for anyone who might know.

Is there any technical reason we could not drill or ream out our older rotors that are held on by the wheel studs? I ask this for 2 reasons, 1.) it would make it a whale of a lot easier to cut rotors during brake jobs and 2.) it should then be possible to use the 2003 rotors with our stock knuckles and hopefully fabricate a Caliper mounting bracket to adapt the dual piston calipers.

Anyone?

Captain

Im sorry but I dont quite follow. What are you trying to drill or ream out of the rotor? the rotor is attached to the hub/bearing assembly.

coalburner400

I know that there are some on the 4X4 forums that are making brackets for Jeeps and other vehicles when swapping axles.

The question is, "if the juice is worth the squeeze".

Some of the info I had stumbled upon a year or so ago showed people taking plate steel and making their own. I'd rather just purchase a $50-60 part and be done with it, but I realize this is not an option for everyone.

coalburner400

Thanks, just the same

Captain

So do we think with a diffrent mounting plate that some other caliper would fit right onto the stock knuckle, roater, wheel assembly? I can hand cut mounting plates on a milling machine as long as there more or less 2D and dont require welding. If thats the case what caliper? it wouldnt have to be from a dodge could be any old big thing to fit whatever size roater we have and space limitations

patdaly

Captain, it is my understanding based upon the FSM that to remove the rotor on the pre-2001 models you have to remove the unit bearing assy with the rotors, and press out the studs to remove the rotor. That seems kind of stupid, especially when you could ream the stud holes in the rotor by a couple of thousandths and re-install the studs to the hub, and slide the rotor on after the bearing assy and hub is back in place. Basically, you would emulate what I think they did in 2001 and later. Make sense?

coalburner400:

I haven't really crawled up under mine yet to see what kind of brackets would be required to use 2003 and up larger rotors,and calipers, but if the caliper mounting bracket is somewhat flat, I have access to a Laser and could crank out serious brackets on the cheap........

Captain

So your saying just leave the stud lose in the hub but still go through it. I getcha, but wouldnt the stud turn when you put the lug nut on then? It is takeing 135pounds.

Stamey

For those still concerned with my end of the discussion, and feel like fabricating stuff..... I just put up the web page with pics of my research for your review. I captioned them a bit so you know what's going on.
In a few days there will be a diesel rally in Claremoint, Va. and I'm sure I can find some third gens to take a bunch of brake pics of while I am there. I might be able to persuade someone to pull a wheel, but I doubt they'll let me pull the calipers off.

http://www.Stamey.Info/Truck/SecondG...Comparison.htm

Thanks,
Chris

patdaly

No, in the hub it would still be a press fit, just the rotor would be a slip fit. Basically you would make it the same as most FWD car setups, when you remove the rim and caliper, you can just slip off the rotor for cutting or replacement.

Perhaps I am missing something here, like I said, I have not had my front end apart yet.

patdaly

Never mind, I see from Stameys pics, the rotor is behind the hub on our trucks......

coalburner400

I've been to the dodge dealer and checked out the brackets - $51 a piece and have to be special ordered.

NAPA has the brackets supposedly and they come with new calipers ($84+core) but they are special order for the 2003+ models I find this strange because I've purchased calipers before and they did not come with the brackets...

Premium front rotors are $40 less for 2003+ than the 2001 - go figure.

So far, the caliper brackets are different between 01 and 03+ (no brainer). The calipers them selves are different as well. This shakes my confidence a bit, but I'm going to check the neighbor's truck at the firs opportunity I get.

I'll be 50 miles away for the rest of today, so this will be added to my weekend todo list