Brake service equals rabbit hole?

[rmasteller]

I need brake pads on my LJR, and whenever I need to service or replace something, I always consider if an upgrade would have any significant benefit or value.

So, since my stock brakes don't to a great job stopping on the road with 33" tires mounted, would it make sense to upgrade to better brakes? My 33" tires are on 15" rims, so I'm thinking a brake kit would probably make it impossible to use the 15" wheels, so I'd have to use the 16" wheels (where my street tires are mounted) or even buy 17" wheels. Of course, if I'm having to use or buy bigger wheels, then I have to sell the small wheels/tires and get new tires, which means I might as well get 35" tires, which is a general goal I have. At that point, I need to re-gear the axles. And, I don't think 35" tires will fit with the rock sliders I have on the sides (protrude into the wheel well a bit), so I would have to replace those too! Oh, and will I need to modify the mild lift too? So, this keeps spiraling down the rabbit hole just because I'm concerned about brakes.

Can any of you put some common sense into my head? I purchased the LJR modified, so I haven't had to do anything to it in my ownership. That inexperience makes me question my ability to make sensible decisions on what's really needed.

Thanks!

 

[rmasteller]

Maybe I should have started a thread asking what are the preferred solutions for better braking? It may just be different materials in the brake pads, or maybe there are better calipers/rotors that still fit in the 15" wheels? I'd have to look at the off-set on these wheels, as I assume that plays a role with different calipers.

 

[TheBoogieman]

Choose #1 and be done. I can lockup my 35s at will if needed. Anyone who says different, didn't follow the break-in instructions completely. My wife even allows me to tailgate slow cars driving in the left lane now. She saw firsthand how well they work when idiots pull out in front of me.

 

[rmasteller]

@TheBoogieman Yes, I saw references to that company and it's strongly recommended. What are your (and the forum's) thoughts on just doing rotors/pads through them, keeping stock calipers and installing new stock flex hoses?
https://www.shop.blackmagicbrakes.com/Front-Pads-477s-Front-Rotors-67045s-F-BMBP-47700067045.htm

 

[Superjay5]

@TheBoogieman Yes, I saw references to that company and it's strongly recommended. What are your (and the forum's) thoughts on just doing rotors/pads through them and keeping stock calipers and replacing flex hoses with new stock hoses?
https://www.shop.blackmagicbrakes.com/Front-Pads-477s-Front-Rotors-67045s-F-BMBP-47700067045.htm

I have just the Black magic pads and centric rotors on the front of my jeep, then Napa’s premium line on my rear. It was a huge improvement for me. I am in 35’s and can lock up my front brakes with no problem.

 

[rmasteller]

@Superjay5 And you have stock calipers on front & rear?

 

[Superjay5]

@Superjay5 And you have stock calipers on front & rear?

The rear is stock. I did replace the front with centric calipers, which are stock equivalent….

 

[L J]

So, since my stock brakes don't to a great job stopping on the road with 33" tires mounted, would it make sense to upgrade to better brakes?

Most certainly. I've run the OEM pads, EBC Yellow pads and Black Magic Brakes pads with factory 245/75-16 size tires over the course of about ten years. The Black Magic Brakes pads, without a doubt, provided the best braking performance of the three. With my fairly recent move to 35x12.5x15 tires, I upgraded to the Vanco big brake kit with Black Magic Brakes pads.

My 33" tires are on 15" rims, so I'm thinking a brake kit would probably make it impossible to use the 15" wheels, so I'd have to use the 16" wheels (where my street tires are mounted) or even buy 17" wheels.

The Vanco big brake kits are available for 15", 16" and 17" wheels.

Can any of you put some common sense into my head?

mrblaine the owner of Black Magic Brakes and a member here can and will. Give him a call.

 

[rmasteller]

@LJ Thanks for the clear info.

I will have to have some serious talks with myself! Long term plans probably include 35" wheels (and appropriate axle/diff gearing), but possibly a small camper as well. If I really think I'm doing that, then maybe the 15" big brake kit is called for (big $$ for big brake kit). I know campers should come with trailer brakes, or have them added, but in case they fail for some reason I would want the Jeep to be able to get everything stopped.

Thanks for all the feed back, everyone! I feel much more equipped to make decisions now, and I know changes to improve braking won't force me to change 10 other things.

 

[Apparition]

I run the 16" BBK from MrBlaine in my 15" wheels as do others. You may not need that much brake but it's an option without new wheels, if they will fit would have to be determined.

It's nice having good brakes on steep obstacles.