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Power Stop Brakes


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#11 ckent323

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Posted 14 June 2022 - 06:38 PM

For those who missed the link with no title reference above, the Jonathan Hanson article on brakes is worth a read (and perhaps a re-read):
 

"The truth about aftermarket "high-performance" brakes."

 

https://www.explorin...dbgly8lj5nann6z


Edited by ckent323, 14 June 2022 - 06:42 PM.

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1993 Dodge Cummins W-250 Club Cab long bed, 2007 FWC Keystone


#12 Cpt Davenport

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Posted 15 June 2022 - 06:44 PM

Ok guys, I totally get the rational behind the research based knowledge and the physics involved.  I understand that "bigger" rotors are the best way to increase braking. I compare the larger diameter of the rotor moving the force applied to the pads further away from the center, like using a longer handle on a wrench to create more torque. This is all awesome information and very much appreciated. 

 

That said, my original question was aimed toward anyone with personal experience regarding the use of the Power Stop Truck/Tow brakes. That response is still yet to be offered here.

 

I spoke with my friend at my 4wd shop and he has had great, personal experience with this product and so have others he has installed the brakes for. He is recommending going with the rotors and the full kit. 

 

I'm deciding to take one for the team on this. I will instal the full kit and see how it goes. The kit is normally $880 and I got it on sale for $518 (I know I know, wonder why it is on sale hahaha!) Anyway we need a review here based on personal experience and use of the actual product. Believe me that if it truly offers no increased stopping ability, excessive overheating and fading, premature wear, cracking or complete failure, I will be the first to say so and admit that they are a big waste of money.

 

My Chevy has the tow/haul mode and I find with that my brakes have got  huge relief on long, steep grades. I have a place in Shelter Cove, Humboldt CA. Anyone who has driven that road knows it is a brake assassin! I have towed many large boats and travel trailers down that road. I use to do it with a 99 Suburban (no tow/haul mode). My brakes would be SMOKING! 2/3rds of the way down. With my newer truck and the tow/haul mode, I have not smoked the brakes yet. The grade braking with the transmission takes A LOT of responsibility off the brakes. My hope is if I use my gearing properly, I will not get the brakes hot enough to have problems with the rotors getting too hot. I think the Carbon fiber-ceramic pads with the kit are worth a try.

 

Wish me luck, I will update my findings as I put these brakes though some field testing.


Edited by Cpt Davenport, 15 June 2022 - 06:46 PM.

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#13 JHanson

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Posted 15 June 2022 - 08:35 PM

I for one look forward to your conclusions!


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#14 Cpt Davenport

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Posted 15 June 2022 - 10:40 PM

I for one look forward to your conclusions!

Thank you very much. I by all means respect you and your vast experience, knowledge and years of dedication to the craft of overlanding! I'm just one of those crazy folks who try to answer all their questions by questioning all the answers. Updates to come!


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#15 ntsqd

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Posted 15 June 2022 - 11:00 PM

"I'd rather have questions that I can't answer than answers that I can't question."

-- Richard Feynman


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Thom

Where does that road go?

#16 JHanson

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Posted 16 June 2022 - 03:49 AM

Indeed!


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#17 fish more

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Posted 16 June 2022 - 03:31 PM

The Shelter Cove road is indeed a test on brakes. I learned to drive on that road when I was 15 years old, back then the road was gravel and narrow.  At that time the roads at the Cove were just being developed as they are today. My best friends father was the person  who owned the company that did the work. We used to drive around the Cove when there were no homes. And yes the Cove road will test anyones brakes. Your '99 Chevy Sub was not known to get great mileage from the brakes, we had alot of complaints at dealership about light truck brakes back then. Your upgrade to your brakes will be tested on the Cove road. I was just at the Cove salmon fishing with my buddy Louie. Fishing was great, as always!!


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#18 Cpt Davenport

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Posted 16 June 2022 - 04:46 PM

The Shelter Cove road is indeed a test on brakes. I learned to drive on that road when I was 15 years old, back then the road was gravel and narrow.  At that time the roads at the Cove were just being developed as they are today. My best friends father was the person  who owned the company that did the work. We used to drive around the Cove when there were no homes. And yes the Cove road will test anyones brakes. Your '99 Chevy Sub was not known to get great mileage from the brakes, we had alot of complaints at dealership about light truck brakes back then. Your upgrade to your brakes will be tested on the Cove road. I was just at the Cove salmon fishing with my buddy Louie. Fishing was great, as always!!

You lucky dog!!!!!!!!!! I can't imagine the Cove with no houses. It has gotten progressively more crowded over the years. I still manage to get some, off season strike missions with minimal people tho. Glad you scored! I'm heading up there in two weeks, hopefully with my new Klamath windshield model (if the motor I ordered 9 months ago arrives). BIG fish there as you know.


Edited by Cpt Davenport, 16 June 2022 - 04:49 PM.

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#19 dennis 221

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Posted 20 June 2022 - 07:22 PM

Stock is best
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#20 ntsqd

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Posted 20 June 2022 - 09:07 PM

Stock is best

 

IME it's pretty rare that the stock brakes are able to handle more then one panic stop without a significant cool-down period when the truck is at or over GVWR. Factor in the slightly larger to much larger tires we tend to favor and they become hopelessly unable to dissipate the generated heat in a reasonably short time frame. If the truck is all stock and under GVWR then the stock brakes may be enough. That will come down to driver ability and style.


Edited by ntsqd, 20 June 2022 - 09:07 PM.

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Thom

Where does that road go?




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