Put my Vanco BBK brakes to the test

Plumber1

Plumber1

Tito's, Tacos and Trails
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San Ramon, CA
Well I upgraded my brakes to the Vanco Big Brake Kit and Black Magic Pads about a year ago. I could tell there was a bit of a difference in stopping power. But today on the freeway I looked away to change lanes and when I looked back the car in front of me had come to a complete stop. In split second I thought holly crap this is not going to be good. I slammed on the brake pedal the front end dipped like never before and I came to such a quick stop that again I thought holly crap. Only this time it was holly crap I can not believe I stopped so quickly and did not hit the car in front of me. Well I am now a believer in the Vanco BBK, and today just saved a big chunk of what it cost. You see I have a $1,000.00 deductible and I would have been paying that today. And what would have been worse my Jeep would have been in the body shop next week and not attending Sierra Trek " The Fordyce Creek " I am one happy Jeeper :)
 
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They work nicely, that's for sure. I've had them on both of my TJs and was always happy, especially when I really had to hit the brakes.

Most people don't seem to understand when you go to a much larger tire, you also need to upgrade the brakes accordingly. It's one of those things a lot of people skip out on.
 
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Chris said:
They work nicely, that's for sure. I've had them on both of my TJs and was always happy, especially when I really had to hit the brakes.

Most people don't seem to understand when you go to a much larger tire, you also need to upgrade the brakes accordingly. It's one of those things a lot of people skip out on.
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Only YOU know they are there, so many guys would rather spend the money on King Shocks ( not that is anything wrong with them ) or other things for more show. I think it is one of the last mod's most people make I know it was not on the top of my list, but it was on the list.
 
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Chris said:
They work nicely, that's for sure. I've had them on both of my TJs and was always happy, especially when I really had to hit the brakes.

Most people don't seem to understand when you go to a much larger tire, you also need to upgrade the brakes accordingly. It's one of those things a lot of people skip out on.
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Before I upgraded to the BBK, even on 33 the stock brakes got me in a few scenarios where it was closer than I would have liked. It was a must have before getting 35s
 
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Just make sure to remember to keep the pads broken in. I don't have a BBK (only 32s), but the brake pads are absolutely worth it.
 
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tomtaylz said:
Before I upgraded to the BBK, even on 33 the stock brakes got me in a few scenarios where it was closer than I would have liked. It was a must have before getting 35s
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Yep. Upgrading to 35s on stock brakes is a recipe for disaster if you ever need to actually use your brakes.

Plumber1 said:
Only YOU know they are there, so many guys would rather spend the money on King Shocks ( not that is anything wrong with them ) or other things for more show. I think it is one of the last mod's most people make I know it was not on the top of my list, but it was on the list.
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I know the amount of cheapskates out there who want to slap on 35s and thing they don't need to do a damn thing at all. Those type of people probably shouldn't be driving on the road ;)
 
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Im loving the 15" BBK with 35s.

Any recomendations on rear brake pads and shoes for the rear&park?

20201024_082251.jpg
 
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I've got the Vanco big brake kit on my current TJ and I am never short of impressed with how well it brakes.

What about you @Alex01, did you ever pony up the cash for a nice upgrade? ;)
 
Turdworlder said:
Are 5.2 litre jeep brakes are bigger,stronger than ours?
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5.2 ZJ? Then no, the ZJ uses the same brakes as the TJ. If you ever want to know, use the Rock Auto buyer's guide. Click on the vehicle particulars, then the part number in blue and it brings up the buyer's guide. This is for the front brake pad.
1603971664558.png
 
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mrblaine said:
5.2 ZJ? Then no, the ZJ uses the same brakes as the TJ. If you ever want to know, use the Rock Auto buyer's guide. Click on the vehicle particulars, then the part number in blue and it brings up the buyer's guide. This is for the front brake pad. View attachment 199508
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I’m always on Rockauto and haven’t looked at this. That’s pretty useful, thanks!
 
Chris said:
I've got the Vanco big brake kit on my current TJ and I am never short of impressed with how well it brakes.

What about you @Alex01, did you ever pony up the cash for a nice upgrade? ;)
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Yes I upgraded to the super 15 kit at the same time that I installed the atlas.
 
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I pretty regularly give my Big Brake Kit a pretty aggressive workout. 2 weeks ago I was towing my pop-up tent trailer doing that as a test/workout and it'll still lock up the 35x12.50 tires.
 
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