Brake pads for LJ running 31s?

Rustynj

TJ Enthusiast
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Jul 30, 2021
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'05 LJ with 31x15

I'm seeing a lot of love for the black magic here, but they seem pricey.

This is my daily driver & I'm starting to get a squeak when braking. Can you guys point me to the right pads? And is it a "Might as well do the discs" too thing?

If pointing me to Black Magics can you link to the right one?

Thanks
 
Black Magic brakes are a really good upgrade if decently set up brakes aren't doing it for you. Generally that's a more prevailent issue on lifted rigs with bigger tires, but not exclusively so.

Unless the brakes weren't sufficient before or you're moving tire sizes you could probably get almost any brand and be fairly happy.
 
Black Magic brakes are a really good upgrade if decently set up brakes aren't doing it for you. Generally that's a more prevailent issue on lifted rigs with bigger tires, but not exclusively so.

Unless the brakes weren't sufficient before or you're moving tire sizes you could probably get almost any brand and be fairly happy.
Thank you - I'm trying to avoid just going to autozone and getting whatever they have there. What is a reputable brand?
 
My lj needed brakes to pass state inspection when I got it in 2020. I purchased pads and rotors from Black Magic. It was reassuring he used centric premiums because I already used them on other rigs. I also bleed/replaced the brake fluid in thr system per his recommendation and I wasn't when or if it had been done before. Guess what I'm getting at is spring for the black magic stuff, it's nice.

Plus you usually get some chapstick with wizard on it with your order!

I wish he made brakes for a 2011 tundra because that needs them next.
 
I've never done my brakes, and it came to me in great shape with 200k miles.... I am resisting a full brake job....
 
Most don't see a need for BM pads till you get up to 35s, maybe 33s if you have a heavy rig and/or tow.
Also, you might not drive your daily aggressively enough to keep them at their best.
 
I've run OEM, EBC Yellows and Black Magic Brakes on my LJ on 245/75-16s. BMB gave me the most confidence that I'd be able to stop in an emergency situation. Now that I'm running 35s, it's a VANCO/BMB big brake kit with BMB pads.

... but they seem pricey.
far less expensive than the most minor of accidents
 
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Wrong about what?
Not needing better brakes until 35’s, 33’s. People very frequently benefit from black magic pads on 31’s to 33’s with good success. What you said lines up more with the big brake kits, which people frequently buy for 35’s and sometimes use on smaller tires.

Blaine never upsells anything though, I see him constantly tell people not to buy his big brake kits and to buy his pads because they are on 33’s and he knows they don’t need more than just the pads.
 
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Would you explain that, please? What happens to BMB pads if you're not aggressive with them?
Nothing. Aggressive is the wrong word. You just have to use them, you can't do long coasting stops like you were taught regardless of how special you think that is. They just need normal slightly enthusiastic braking to stay broken in. (assuming you have the correct kit installed)
 
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Most don't see a need for BM pads till you get up to 35s, maybe 33s if you have a heavy rig and/or tow.
The majority of TJ owners do not have BMB brakes.
So my statement that 'Most don't see a need' (whether they should or not); is true.

Not my DD, but my next set of pads (on 33s) will be BMB.
 
So for an '05 LJ on 31" tires, lifted 2" (mine) or not lifted (the OP, I think), daily driver with weekend wheeling (nothing radical), are BMB pads with Centric Premium rotors recommended? I won't be moving to bigger tires, but I pull a camper trailer a few times in the summer. If not BMB, what about those Centric rotors with some other brand of pads, and which ones?
 
@oldbuzzard you can get any ceramic pads from Rockauto and new discs for the front, I've gotten Bendix, you'll be fine with those. The rears don't matter at all. If you have extra money to spend there is absolutely no better place to spend it than with Blaine. He contributes allot to the tech issues here and a few bucks his way is well spent.
 
So for an '05 LJ on 31" tires, lifted 2" (mine) or not lifted (the OP, I think), daily driver with weekend wheeling (nothing radical), are BMB pads with Centric Premium rotors recommended?
+
I won't be moving to bigger tires, but I pull a camper trailer a few times in the summer.
=
YES
 
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