2500 vs 1500 Brakes

[Fleeingpepper]

On my 97 half ton Hoe the brakes seem to not grab nearly as well as on my dad's '95 2500 work truck. Even though his truck consistently weighs 6200-7000 pounds with all the tools and stuff in the bed. Do the 2500s have bigger rotors, calipers, or what? I feel so much more confident stopping his 7000 lb truck than my (maybe) 5000 lb suv. I don't see how it could have bigger rotors or calipers because the wheels are 16' on both. So what's the difference in the 2500 brakes vs 1500 brakes?

 

[94blu1500]

the rear drum brakes are much larger for sure, the pads on the 2500 may be larger but i've never compaired them side by side with a 1500 pad. the master cylinder also has a larger bore on the 2500.

 

[MIHELA]

Some of the 2500s also had Hydroboost. But yeah, the 2500 rear brakes are massive.

 

[daddy_dandy]

There's not much you can do with the JB5 setup. They flat out suck. Problem is the adjusters don't work worth a **** and the shoes don't get maximum application/pressure against the drum. This is why many complain of a "spongy" pedal feel. There are a couple things you can do. Convert to a hydroboost setup and swap to a 14 bolt rear end. That will give you the maximum braking potential while still maintaining a "stock" setup.

If you don't want to swap, I personally run Summit drilled/slotted rotors with Hawk LTS pads and adjust the rear drums when I change my oil. It has made a big difference for me.

Here's some good reading on GMT400 brake setups.

http://www.pacificp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=8114
http://www.pacificp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=51104
http://www.pacificp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=9296

Hydroboost conversion threads:
http://www.pacificp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=8530