I can't seem to find a big brake kit for my truck; nothing from Wilwood, nothing from SSBC. I haul a heavy camper on my '05 3500 SRW and I'm in need of more braking power.

The other day, while driving 65 on the highway, there was an accident 100 yards or so in ahead of me and traffic came to an abrupt stop. It was all I could do to drag the truck to a halt safely... very frightening actually, and I was paying attention and had left plenty of space between me and the car in front of me. I've already got a PacBrake PRXB exhaust brake and have no issues with overheating or fade on long grades.

I'm running 18" wheels so I have a tiny bit of room for larger rotors & calipers. Does anybody make a complete big brake kit for my 3rd gen?

Thanks,
-Mark

 

You already have brakes that many of us can only wish we had.

This is rotor I have bookmarked for its large diameter and 8x6.5" pattern. It appears on some 3500HD and P30HD trucks and is used with 19.5" wheels.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/ceb-121-66015

 

Thanks u2slow, that rotor is a good find!
However I think I'm in need of larger (more pistons/surface area) calipers and pads too. Any leads on those?

 

I have read good things about hummer H3 calipers (4 piston). Also have seen some large 4 piston calipers on the rear of a GM c5500 axle.

I'm not up on the Wildwood stuff.

 

Hi Mark,

Unfortunately, big brake kits specifically designed for 3rd gen Ram trucks are rare. Most aftermarket brake upgrades focus on performance cars, not heavy-duty trucks.

However, you might consider these options:

Upgrade Rotors and Pads:

While not a full big brake kit, upgrading to larger rotors and high-performance brake pads can significantly improve braking performance.
Consult with a brake specialist to determine the largest rotor size that will fit your wheel and caliper configuration.
Custom Brake Kit:

You could explore custom brake kits from companies that specialize in performance braking.
They might be able to design a kit specifically for your truck, but it will likely be more expensive and require more customization.
Exhaust Brake:

As you mentioned, your PacBrake exhaust brake is a great tool for slowing down your truck, especially on long downhill grades.
Using it in conjunction with your regular brakes can help reduce brake fade and extend brake life.
Remember, safety is paramount. If you're concerned about your braking performance, it's best to consult with a qualified mechanic or brake specialist.

 

3rd Gen brakes were big to begin with. You need bigger brakes on your trailer.

 

You can try PowerStop or EBC, they offer heavy-duty brake upgrades