Improve braking on '03 silverado
#1
Improve braking on '03 silverado
HI everyone, I know this question has been asked before. I have a 2003 silverado ext cab pickup I use for work, hauling a 6x12 enclosed trailer 5 days a week. Overall the truck has been great for several years I have owned it, with the exception of the braking on it. Driving the truck without hauling a trailer is sketchy enough. The pedal is firm, but you have to stand on it to get it to come to a stop. Yes, the calipers move freely as do the pads. Now I am about due for rear pads and rotors(even new pads and rotors made no difference). I know its a common problem with these trucks. So, has anyone improved the braking on these trucks(keep in mind its a work truck, so affordability is important). I heard of people changing out the rear single piston calipers with dual piston with good results, but I won't if I need larger than the factory 16" rims currently on it. Also I have the electronic sba on the booster(I don't know if their is a way to test these...)if their related to normal braking. Anyways, any advice would be greatly appreciated.
#3
TECH Apprentice
iTrader: (1)
I did the NNBS front brakes and rotors and the NBS tahoe rear brakes on my truck a few years ago and replace all the brake lines with Russel SS lines. It made a world of difference on how it brakes. You can get away with a 17" rim on the front with the NNBS brakes. I have 20s so i wasnt worried about it. I used all the power stop stuff for my upgrade. a couple weeks ago I upgraded the fronts again to the 19+ 4 piston calipers and 14" rotors.....I can put someone thru the windshield now without actually crashing.
#6
you can swap in NNBS front rotors/calipers
The newer brakes just bolt right up. All you need is calipers & brackets, which you can get at AZ or wherever; pads; & rotors. Just slaps right up on there like it was meant to go. 12" rotor replacing the 11".
Similarly, put the SUV (Burb & Av) rear calipers & rotors on it.
I did not do the stainless hoses (yet) but I have done stainless hard lines, after one of mine popped while pulling a trailer in traffic on a VERY busy city street.
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#9
TECH Veteran
iTrader: (5)
My 02 Tahoe is on 2 pistons F/R, stock NBS rotors F/R (still under dem 16s yo) with PPV pads, rubber lines and hydroboost
I can lock all 4 up at 50 mph as evidenced by my inability to put the ABS fuse back in that one time and I was trying to bed pads
They don't seem to fade hardly, but I'm also not hot lapping the truck and I'm very diligent in not dragging the brakes
my cars certainly stop better, but I am happy with the performance I get in the truck. I think the stock stuff can be made to work, but it's gonna have limits and being loaded might be that limit
pad choice is the most important however
I can lock all 4 up at 50 mph as evidenced by my inability to put the ABS fuse back in that one time and I was trying to bed pads
They don't seem to fade hardly, but I'm also not hot lapping the truck and I'm very diligent in not dragging the brakes
my cars certainly stop better, but I am happy with the performance I get in the truck. I think the stock stuff can be made to work, but it's gonna have limits and being loaded might be that limit
pad choice is the most important however