I got a 97 1500 4x4 and my brakes are pretty squeaky so im gonna replace them. I was gonna go with the wagner thermo quiet pads and shoes. Just curious, if i was gonna go with the 2500 pads n shoes would i do the same year for parts? Also i dont tow anything crazy and it seems to be an extra $70 just for the shoes so is it worth the upgrade? Also are the calipers necessary to replace with the pads? First brake job believe it or not, they just make me nervous but tearin a motor apart doesnt..dont know why..haha

 

To use the 2500 front pads, you would need to also replace the calipers. Calipers are dirt cheap..... (need the light duty 3/4 ton calipers....)

You can't use the 3/4 ton rear shoes. They are MUCH larger than the half ton fellers, and simply will not fit.

Since your truck is 15 years old..... get rear hardware kits as well. (springs and such.)

If you decide to go with the 3/4 ton front stuff, pick up a couple quarts of brake fluid, and flush the brake system as well.

 

ok so i would need 97 2500 front pads and calipers and just rebuild the spring kit for the rear but use the normal rear shoes right?

 

I don't think they made the light duty in 97.... I get asked on my 96 on a regular basis though. (side note: What's funny is, I have the 8800 GVW, but, the 7400 GVW calipers, figger that one out...) Get pads for the same year calipers you get. (which they will all be the same anyway..... make sure you get the LD pads though.....)

Yep, normal shoes, and hardware kits for the rear.

Start soaking the rear bleeder valves tonight. Just hit 'em with you chem of choice. Soak 'em good. Hit them again in the morning, and again, before you do the rear brakes. When it's time to bleed em, getting em to open without breaking is sometimes fun...... they may also be clogged up with dirt.... watch out for that too.

 

correct.

 

here's what im lookin at

front, they dont specify ld..
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/de...ds%21s%21shoes

rear-97 1500

http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/de...ds%21s%21shoes

and depending on what brand caliper looks like 20- 60 bucks a piece..

 

Wonder what they are talking about when they say "optional heavy duty" on the calipers. (yeah, I went browsing the site.....) So far as I know, the HD calipers are dual piston, but, that's not what the pic shows..... and it DOES say 8800gvw...... interesting. Wonder if they are the same as the 7500 calipers, or if they have even larger pistons. Might be something to check while you are at the store..... If the meaner guys will fit, go for it. If nothing else though, the LD calipers are a direct bolt on.

 

alright,although usually the guys at the auto shop dont know what the **** their talkin about. I will let you know what i find out, i think its pretty straight forward but know of any write up with pics?

 

Grab the 96 service manual from the faq section here, or, get a haynes manual for your truck. (or both....)

 

i got an 01 awhile back but wasnt sure if it had pics for replacing the calipers and pads and spring kit but ill take a look.thanks