beefier brake options (gaskets, rotors, etc.) for offroad

[vortec]

after trips that stress the brake system (hill descents, etc.) i've found that a small amount of brake fluid has been forced past or through the gasket between the master cylinder and brake booster. it's fine, otherwise. when i install my 4" lift, i plan to use extended stainless brake lines, and replace that gasket, too (bleeding once is better than twice) but with the higher pressure, i'm concerned that i'll blow out the new gasket, too. i haven't come across a super-strong one or anything.

i've heard that gm 3/4 ton rotors will fit with my half-ton calipers, but maybe not with my 15" wheels.

 

[nvrenuf]

There's no gasket, the master cylinder is dying.

 

[onetonbb74]

There is no gasket, there is an o-ring (that you cant see) inside the master on the back of the shaft that moves in and out.

1/2 ton calipers and 3/4 ton calipers are similar in mounting holes, physical size, and fittings, but have slightly different diameter pistons. They both take up the same amount of space on the backing plate as far as mounting. They will most likely rub your 15" rims if you have 3/4 ton outters(8 lug hubs/ backing plates/ rotors) no matter which calipers you mount on there

 

[vortec]

There's no gasket, the master cylinder is dying.

i know my other truck doesn't have a gasket there, but i must just have so much offroad gunk caked on there that it looks like an old gasket sticking out. since i'm usually great on maintenance, i'm a little embarassed .

guess i'll just grab a rebuild kit and take care of it before it dies while i'm on a ledge or something. it's been about 10 years since i rebuilt my old honda's master cylinder, but i'm guessing this will be even easier since it's not tiny.

thanks.

 

[6.2Blazer]

I'm not real convinced there are any differences between 1/2 and 3/4 ton calipers...look at any replacements and they are always the same p/n and exactly the same externally. You could put "3/4 ton" calipers on the front of a 1/2 ton and there would be absolutely no difference, so yes you can put 1/2 ton calipers on 3/4 ton rotors...because they are the same.

If you go to 8-lug (3/4 ton) front rotors you should gain a little bit more braking, simply because the rotor is larger and therefore gives the caliper a little more leverage against the rotation of the wheel.

 

[vortec]

i don't plan on switching to 8-lug, but my friend's cousin used drilled some 3/4 ton rotors to work on his 96 c1500. the truck is his daily driver and he takes it to the strip sometimes. they managed to drill for his 5-lug with plenty of metal left, but we're both concerned that with my 6-lug, things might not line up right and they'd have to drill too close to the original holes. no good.

 

[redneckdude]

I'm not real convinced there are any differences between 1/2 and 3/4 ton calipers...look at any replacements and they are always the same p/n and exactly the same externally. You could put "3/4 ton" calipers on the front of a 1/2 ton and there would be absolutely no difference, so yes you can put 1/2 ton calipers on 3/4 ton rotors...because they are the same.

If you go to 8-lug (3/4 ton) front rotors you should gain a little bit more braking, simply because the rotor is larger and therefore gives the caliper a little more leverage against the rotation of the wheel.

according to some catalouges/computer systems, this is true...but there ARE 3/4 ton calipers out there and the piston IS approx 1/4" bigger. I have found them before in the computer system and the advance i worked at at the time had them on teh shelf. I believe i had to search an older 3/4 ton (maybe with a d44?) to find the...but they are there.

and yes, you do gain some extra braking with 3/4 ton stuff. i never went to 3/4 ton calipers since i knew id be going 60 one day tho. id imagine you should be able to tell SOME difference going from half ton stuff to full 3/4 ton stuff with calipers. I know LOW bs wheels (under 3") will fit... been there, ran those...and i think on the 3/4 ton stuff you could use 15" steel wheels with most any bs and get by...may want to graze off the highest 1/8" or so off the calipers...can't really remember.

 

[vortec]

i know this it's blasphemy to say this on here, but i don't plan to ever go d60. unfortunately, i don't get out there enough anymore to justify the cost. plus, i know there are guys on here that run bigger tires, more powerful engines, and beat on their rigs harder than i do with 10bolts up front.