Is there any front brake upgrades that fits the 1st gen Dakota? I'm not really impressed with the stopping power.

 

I've found talk about possibly using something like mid-60's Imperial calipers; but I've not seen and haven't done one.

What year is yours? I ask because there's 5 stud and 6 stud variants on the Gen1.

SSBC only lists pads for my 1988 2WD, for instance,but for the 6 stud 1991 and up, they do list a rear disc brake conversion and slotted, drilled, and slotted and drilled rotors. (These rotors are more for show than whoa; slotting and drilling actually reduces the effective area for the pads to operate on, and if you're not outgassing or overheating, can actually reduce the maximum braking possible.)

RwP

 

I've found talk about possibly using something like mid-60's Imperial calipers; but I've not seen and haven't done one.

What year is yours? I ask because there's 5 stud and 6 stud variants on the Gen1.

SSBC only lists pads for my 1988 2WD, for instance,but for the 6 stud 1991 and up, they do list a rear disc brake conversion and slotted, drilled, and slotted and drilled rotors. (These rotors are more for show than whoa; slotting and drilling actually reduces the effective area for the pads to operate on, and if you're not outgassing or overheating, can actually reduce the maximum braking possible.)

We covered some of it back in 2014 at https://dodgeforum.com/forum/1st-gen...akota-2wd.html .

RwP

 

Nice link Ralph. It doesn't mention wheel size. Do you think that means the changes will work with standard 15" wheels?

 

It's a '88 4WD.

 

The 4WD may cause problems; but let's look real quick.

The front hub appears to be unique to Dakotas; you may have a bigger row to hoe to retrofit something else in.

OTOH, if you have a competent axle shop, you might be able to use D150 4WD hubs, rotors, and calipers; and have a custom set of axles made to fit them. (Possibly the spindle also; don't know, haven't measured, have no idea.)

That may be where to look first.

RwP