Big brake kit for 08 F250/350 - Diesel Forum

Carl Lassiter · 10-16-2008, 11:55 AM

Who has upgraded their brakes? With an 8,000lb kerbweight the stock 13.5" brakes are somewhat lacking. It seems this has always been a failing on Ford vehicles. The c.15" brakes on the F450 are far meatier but there are fitment issues so aftermarket seems to be the answer.

With the stock 20" rims, there is room for 16.5" brakes with a little to spare. I don't need that big but would like at least 15" but the one proviso is I do not want cross-drilled as with this much weight they have a greate liklihood of splitting. So, does anyone have any good recommendations for the SoCal area?

bens duper duty · 10-17-2008, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carl Lassiter

Who has upgraded their brakes? With an 8,000lb kerbweight the stock 13.5" brakes are somewhat lacking. It seems this has always been a failing on Ford vehicles. The c.15" brakes on the F450 are far meatier but there are fitment issues so aftermarket seems to be the answer.

With the stock 20" rims, there is room for 16.5" brakes with a little to spare. I don't need that big but would like at least 15" but the one proviso is I do not want cross-drilled as with this much weight they have a greate liklihood of splitting. So, does anyone have any good recommendations for the SoCal area?

This is a great subject and would love to know more if anyone knows something? We do need more suitable braking components for our trucks.

caryt · 10-18-2008, 10:32 AM

Hawk pads will help

bens duper duty · 10-18-2008, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by caryt

Hawk pads will help

Yeah thats a given, of course hawk pads will help.

BUT are there more options for our trucks?

I know if you change to rbf600 brake fluid, hawk pads and steel braided lines, it will help alot, but is there something better?

Carl Lassiter · 10-20-2008, 11:45 AM

So it seems we're at a dead end of sorts. My web research has led me to sites where the brakes are either even smaller than the stockers, available only on older SDs while a recommendation to look at another brake maker showed brakes with bizarre cross drilled pattern that look like they wouldn't last five minutes.

Caryt- Hawk pads recommendation is certainly a sound one, but would be nice to combine these with big rotors.

Are there any vendors out there who can help? Two very interested customers here.

Ben- nice stable and it sounds like your problem is similar to mine in that 13.5" brakes on an 8,000lb unloaded rig just aren't giving you much confidence. I also have an 08 M5 where stock 15" stoppers are employed to stop 3,900lbs. Now, like you, I'm not expecting an SD to stop like that but certainly want more than factory. Let me know if you find anything.

Stymie · 10-20-2008, 01:34 PM

one thing to remember, is its not the outer diameter of a brake that matters, it is the swept area of the pad.

dpbuckster · 10-20-2008, 01:50 PM

These are pricey like most big brake kits, but are pretty sweet. I'd like to get these one day.

TCE Performance Products - Producing Winning Results since 1993

Carl Lassiter · 10-20-2008, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dpbuckster

These are pricey like most big brake kits, but are pretty sweet. I'd like to get these one day.

TCE Performance Products - Producing Winning Results since 1993

What a great first post. I'll look into these more closely. Thank you.

CZDiesel · 10-20-2008, 03:45 PM

WOW!!!!! Those Wilwoods look incredible! I wonder what the durability is like on a tow rig that actually see miles?e

Stymie · 10-20-2008, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CZDiesel

WOW!!!!! Those Wilwoods look incredible! I wonder what the durability is like on a tow rig that actually see miles?e

Thats todd's brakes. he sells a ton of kits to the guys on the lightning board im on. I've heard nothing but good reviews, and these are from guys road racing 5,000lb trucks.

thecougar · 10-20-2008, 07:17 PM

Wow those are awesome.

I wonder if they fit under the stock 20s...

bens duper duty · 10-20-2008, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carl Lassiter

Ben- nice stable and it sounds like your problem is similar to mine in that 13.5" brakes on an 8,000lb unloaded rig just aren't giving you much confidence. I also have an 08 M5 where stock 15" stoppers are employed to stop 3,900lbs. Now, like you, I'm not expecting an SD to stop like that but certainly want more than factory. Let me know if you find anything.

Thanks for the compliment!

After reading the below post about the wilwood brake kit, im VERY disappointed. I just lifted my truck on 18" wheels and NOT 20" like I should have. Otherwise I seriously would have ordered the brake kit 10 seconds ago.
I just cant justify reselling my wheels and tires at a loss just to buy another set.

Carl Lassiter · 10-23-2008, 12:28 AM

Yes, 16" rotors will fit behind our 20s.

Ben- your 18s with lift sounds perfect for off roading. Just put some miles on the new tires and consider a brake change in 10k or so.

Going to call the shop tomorrow. Trying to work out if I should get just fronts or front and rears (assuming availability). Any opinions?

bens duper duty · 11-03-2008, 12:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carl Lassiter

Yes, 16" rotors will fit behind our 20s.

Ben- your 18s with lift sounds perfect for off roading. Just put some miles on the new tires and consider a brake change in 10k or so.

Going to call the shop tomorrow. Trying to work out if I should get just fronts or front and rears (assuming availability). Any opinions?

Id say do just the fronts and feel it out. Both front and rear "might" be overkill.

JaredWaites · 11-03-2008, 09:50 AM

Here is a link to another forum where there is a detailed article on a nice brake upgrade to cryo brakes and hawk pads.

Power Slot Installation and Overview