Black Magic Brakes, my BBK shenanigans

bobthetj03

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I've had the kit on for a while now, so thought I'd post my BBK experience to date. Prior to the BBK, I had BMB's magic pads and Centric rotors on the jeep for a few years. This upgrade stopped my 32's with no complaints at all, but as most jeepers do, I couldn't leave well enough alone, so I bumped to 33's. The BBK was very well thought out, instructions were spot on, and IMO, could be installed by most who have basic skills and tools. I won't get super detailed, cause, well, it's a basic brake job with a few additional steps.

So, this is what you get, minus the Spicer ujoints(mine were toast and needed replacement, so what better time to do it).
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The knuckles are pre-drilled to accept either the 15" kit or the 16" kit. I chose the 15" kit so my wheels would clear.
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A full set of instructions are included for the install and the pad break in procedure.
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Give the rotors a good soap/water cleaning.
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Obviously, you need to remove the front shafts. Now would be a good time to put some new ball joints in.
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Size comparison of BBK rotor vs. Stock rotor.
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New knuckle goodness.
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My axle u-joints were tired.
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Here's where the real fun begins. The unit bearing diameter needs to be shaved down a wee bit so the rotor hat will fit properly. 5 minutes with an angle grinder and a flap disc and good to go.
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Getting closer.
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Home stretch!
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Next little mod that needs done if you have factory brake hoses. The tap need ground off. No biggie. If you have aftermarket longer braided hoses, you can skip this step.
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Don't forget to transfer your old steering stops over to the new knuckles. Yeah, I know, I could have cleaned them up a bit. I was tired!
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That's pretty much it jeeples. Follow the pad break in procedure and happy braking.

I'll post up some silly non-scientific videos of a before with BMB pads/Centric rotors and after with the BBK kit broke in. IMO, the increase in braking performance is noticeable enough to warrant the price tag.
 
Great write-up @bobthetj03!

I did one myself several years ago, which people can find here as well, incase they want a second opinion:
My Review of the Vanco 16" Big Brake Kit

I think that I'll end up doing this again on my current TJ, even with just running 31" tires. I know it's not necessary, but I very much like to have extra braking power, especially in a vehicle like the TJ!
 
Great write-up @bobthetj03!

I did one myself several years ago, which people can find here as well, incase they want a second opinion:
My Review of the Vanco 16" Big Brake Kit

I think that I'll end up doing this again on my current TJ, even with just running 31" tires. I know it's not necessary, but I very much like to have extra braking power, especially in a vehicle like the TJ!

Nice! Between the 2 write-ups with you using the 16" kit and me the 15" kit, that will make for a good comparison.
 
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It's a fantastic upgrade. I know that Blaine usually only suggests it for 35" or larger tires, but in all honesty, I think even if you only have 30" tires, there's never any harm in having more stopping power. I'm going to put the 16" kit on my Rubicon again when funds permit.
 
It was amazing looking at the comparison between the stock caliper and these dual piston monster calipers. It's truly amazing the stock stuff even works at all!
 
It's a fantastic upgrade. I know that Blaine usually only suggests it for 35" or larger tires, but in all honesty, I think even if you only have 30" tires, there's never any harm in having more stopping power. I'm going to put the 16" kit on my Rubicon again when funds permit.
I thought “less” is “more?” :D
 
Follow the rules of safe distance and trust no other driver and you’ll be fine. As Blaine said, get the brake pads and call it good! This saying, less is more, is doomed for failure on many points. It’s like saying 2 is more than 8. :) Semantics doesn’t change anything. More is more and less is less and anything less is not more any more than anything more is not less. :eek:
 
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Isn’t buying a Rubicon going against the “less is more” frame of mind?

:)
I thought the same thing. Why not start with an X? :)

Really, it’s all good! Just trying to save your wallet @Chris. Who does that? Usually we try to spend your money. Altruism in it’s truest sense...that’s my heart. I’m sacrificing my own reputation with the owner of this joint to save the owner some coin
 
I will admit that I need to seriously look into these brakes. I can see how it would be worth the money.

But I also want to buy LED headlights. So there’s that....
 
I will admit that I need to seriously look into these brakes. I can see how it would be worth the money.

But I also want to buy LED headlights. So there’s that....
Hit Blaine up. When I told him my setup, which will be similar to yours, he said, get the brake pads.
 
I thought the same thing. Why not start with an X? :)

Really, it’s all good! Just trying to save your wallet @Chris. Who does that? Usually we try to spend your money. Altruism in it’s truest sense...that’s my heart. I’m sacrificing my own reputation with the owner of this joint to save the owner some coin

Ahhh, if I get a big brake kit, it would be the very last thing I do! I don't have much more left to do in all honesty. The big things are the rear bumper and re-gearing.
 
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How much are the LED’s? @lovemachine I think the brake pads are <$150. I’m just going to do mine when my current pads are toast