Chevy & GMC Vans

AS.com had a post about using 1/2 ton 4x4 p/u rotors and calipers on the pre-2003 AWD vans. Which sounds really cool, however my DD is a 2WD van. I was thinking about this while driving tonight and it hit me, wheel bearings. If I cross reference which vehicles use the same wheel bearings I could see what other rotors are available, which would hopefully lead me to a caliper as well.

I found a bearing match with the 1991 C-1500, I checked to make sure they use the same lug pattens, now I just need to visit a yard or shop to get a few measurements. With any luck this could be a nice big brake upgrade for the 2WD owners.

Also, if you know the part numbers for the AWD big brake upgrade, please post them.

Uhhhh, hate to burst your bubble, but I believe the hot ticket is 3/4 ton calipers. Our trucks are, for all intents & purposes, 1/2 tonners. I'm pretty sure I'm running 3/4 ton calipers on mine.

That is correct. The 3/4 ton calipers bolt on along with the larger disc pads. Add the 11" rear brakes and the van stops VERY well.

Doh, well I guess I'll still look to see if they are a little bigger.

The calipers have a 1/4" larger diameter piston and the disc pads have about a 20% larger area.

On the same subject, the thing that limits us to the OEM-diameter rotors is the presence of the two "ears" on the spindle, to which the disc caliper attaches. Does anybody make DROP SPINDLES that have a different mounting location for the calipers, allowing the use of larger-dia. rotors? I have 17" wheels on my 'stro, that would fit bigger-dia. brakes. I also plan to buy 2" drop spindles, so NOW would be the time to go big on the brakes, if somebody already builds drop spindles with just that in mind.

Thanks.....SS Astro
1992 LT with L98 350 Tune Port V8

Can we get a stickie on this topic?

I wonder what kind of work would be involved in using 3/4 ton spindles so you can use the 3/4 ton brakes..

I can only speak from experience, but my front rotors are plenty big as is. Along with the 11" drums out back, my heavy big-blocked 4wd 31 inch x 12" wide tired passenger van stops literally on a dime. Incredible. I really think that the 3/4 ton calipers along with 11" drums are more than adequate.

peter wrote:I can only speak from experience, but my front rotors are plenty big as is. Along with the 11" drums out back, my heavy big-blocked 4wd 31 inch x 12" wide tired passenger van stops literally on a dime. Incredible. I really think that the 3/4 ton calipers along with 11" drums are more than adequate.

Ah yes but us RWD owners can't just bolt up 3/4 ton calipers.

Yup, us poor RWD people need an option (other than purchasing an AWD)

With my current setup (stock front) no RW ABS (the setup they used before they went to 4W ABS) disconnected and 11 inch drums in the back with Ford wheel cylinders I pull .85G peak when braking. This is largely limited by the tires. If I were to upgrade anything, it would be to put better pads on the front, heavy duty rotors (not the cheap chinese ones I've got now) and an adjustable proportioning valve. Based on my asessment of the back to front I feel that the fronts could use a bit more of the bias.

YES....You can bolt the big calipers on the RWD vans. BTDT. I also did the 11" rear brakes. The difference is amazing. This thing stops like a formula one car.

You can bolt the big calipers on the RWD vans.

Which ones? 1/2 ton, 3/4 ton, 4x4...

On AWD it's clear: 3/4 ton 4x4.

RWD has always been sketchy in my mind.

3/4 ton. 4x4.