Brakes on 2.5T Rockwells

[RingMaster4x4]

I have an itch that I my end up scratching if I can't find a reason to stop.

Does anyone know how you have to setup the brakes for rockwell axles? Do you have to swap in a hydro setup or can you the vaccum setup that is in 1 ton GM's? thanks for any info.

 

[sled_dog]

Huh?

If you want to reuse the stock drums, you need big rims. Lots of companies make at the wheel disc brakes and pinion mounted disc brakes. Those are just standard hydraulic brake setups. Sounds like you are talking about Hydro Boost vs Vacuum Boost Brakes. THats sort of more of a personal call. I don't want Hydro boost on any of my rigs for the plumbing factor, I'll stick with Vacuum or no boost.

 

[RingMaster4x4]

Huh?

If you want to reuse the stock drums, you need big rims. Lots of companies make at the wheel disc brakes and pinion mounted disc brakes. Those are just standard hydraulic brake setups. Sounds like you are talking about Hydro Boost vs Vacuum Boost Brakes. THats sort of more of a personal call. I don't want Hydro boost on any of my rigs for the plumbing factor, I'll stick with Vacuum or no boost.

you got it right. I was just worndering about if you had to use hydro boost brake system or if I can use the 1 ton brake booster and master cylinder. If I do put in Rockwells I will use the pinion mounted disc.

 

[sled_dog]

pinion mounted disc is a nice setup if you protect the discs. It increases your braking power by 6.72 times, so vacuum boost would be sufficient. I know I've seen manual brake setups powering discs on rockwells.

 

[RingMaster4x4]

Really cool. maybe you can help me with one more question. how much lift (for lack of a better term) do you have to clear top loaders as comparied to a D60 and 14 bolt? Maybe this is a little better. how far do the top stick up on a toploader?

 

[sled_dog]

I'm useless on this. hopefully DP_90K5 checks in, hes done it.

 

[RingMaster4x4]

cool thanks

 

[thatK30guy]

I've read/heard that pinion brakes are not recommended for street driving duties due to the fact they spin that much faster than the rotors on the bearing hubs. That translates to more heat when applying brakes.
Me personally, I would use 4 rotors at the corners and run the 1 ton hydro-boost setup. If the braking performance is not up to par, I would mess with the proportion valve after that.

pinion mounted disc is a nice setup if you protect the discs. It increases your braking power by 6.72 times, so vacuum boost would be sufficient. I know I've seen manual brake setups powering discs on rockwells.

 

[RingMaster4x4]

ok that is good info thanks. I will look at disc for all four rim size is not a issues I will the 20's noproblem. I just don't want drums because of the wieght.

 

[sled_dog]

wheel brakes are expensive. I have heard discouragement about using pinion brakes on the street. Most of the Rockwell equipped rigs I've seen never see the street anyway.