I was reading threads here and there talking about switching out the one piston front calipers for the two piston caliper on later models. Has anyone done this or even looked into it? I know the ram vans from 98-01 have two piston calipers. could they be swapped? Since the 1/2 ton model has 2.95 inch calipers and the 3/4 ton have 3.1 inch calipers, could they be swapped without extra rigging and other mods, a direct bolt on? I'm just looking to start a conversation in order to be more informed.

 

Two different axles between the 1/2 and 3/4 so I don't think you can make that swap. Using the van calipers sounds somewhat familiar. I'm not sure on that one and don't know of anyone that has done it. I suppose you could get one from the parts store and take it home and see.
Personally, the bigger problem is the rear. They are hardly if ever engaged and so your lack of stopping power is all on the front. It's not the front that is so bad, it's that they are doing all of the work. You need to get the rears working first.

 

Adjusting the rear brakes at the recommended tire rotation intervals , also helps. As the auto adjusters do squat. Even if you do the upgrade to 3/4 or 1 ton wheel cylinders. The FSM also recommends adjusting them when tire rotation is performed.

 

I'm getting ready to do the wheel cylinder upgrade and was just wondering about the front. I think people, in general, take the brakes for granted. If you mash on the gas pedal, you'll eventually pick up speed and haul a$$. But how fast can you stop?! I value that over anything.

 

I've noticed that the auto adjuster IS pretty crappy. When I first got my truck, I would press the parking brake and my truck would sit like a rock. Now when the parking brake is on, it still manages to rock a little bit. Obviously I'll be fixing that.

 

All you have to do is adjust the rear shoes, and the e brake will be solid again.