I want to run dual piston brake calipers on my 1998 ram. I believe I am 1998.5 since I have the newer mirrors and not the old-school ones. When I was looking at the knuckles in the way that the caliper attaches, It seems that there's a slight difference. My question is, can I mount a dual piston caliper to a single piston knuckle. Are these interchangeable between the two? Seems as if even the way the help mounts to the knuckle is slightly different but can I just put a bolt stud through with a nut on the other end? It seems like everything should fit but I don't want to terret apart just to find out it does not. If not I should just be able to put dual piston caliper knuckles onto my axle and that would solve all my issues, correct?

 

Mounting the dual caliper pistons isn't the real issue here. The 2000-2001 1500 had dual caliper pistons, along with a different master brake cylinder. Just swapping on the calipers won't work for you because the master brake cylinder won't be able to apply the needed pressure to both pistons, that is, if the dual piston calipers even bolt up (never tried). You could do what I did and swap on some Dodge Ram 2500 front calipers and brake pads for the same year as your truck. I've got more info on my brakes in my sig.

 

Won't the 2500 brakes take a different master cylinder too? If not then how are you getting gains from it? I could swap a master cyl..not too bad. The only thing would be if be worried about how my computer would read all of this with abs and such and it starting to throw warning indicators and ****ting the auto braking system off cause internal faults.

 

S h u t t I n g

 

The 2500 calipers have a larger diameter piston, you don't *have* to change the M/C, but, it won't hurt anything if you do. Upgrading to one-ton wheel cylinders in the back is a good companion mod as well. (and you still don't have to change to m/c) Once the system is bled out good, works just fine. (and the ABS won't care either.)

 

I went with the light duty single piston 2500 calipers and 1 ton Dodge wheel cylinders on my 96 1500.
Much better brakes than it ever had and easy to modulate.
All parts were for 96 model.

 

I have dble pistons on my 96 . IDK if the diff was swapped or just the calipers .

I assume the M/C could use the upgrade as mentioned . Don't think I could get the front's locked up (no ABS ) but it does slow down real good if forced . Works for me

 

Is your 96 1/2 ton, or 3/4 ton? I would be real interested in your front axle, and just when it was manufactured. I have the heavy duty 3/4 ton, but, single piston calipers..... which I thought was odd.

 

Mines a 1/2 ton . My first guess was a 2000 axle was installed . Only year with dbl pistons and vacuum disconnect . I really don't see the PO doing a brake swap but I have noted some repairs suggesting a possible side impact . Seems logical it bent the inner c so they replaced it .

Any date on the tag ? I'll snag a pic if your not in a hurry , of everything . Couple 2-3 days before the truck fits back in the garage .

I think the reason my peddle feels soft is because the rear shoes are still original . I never tried too had but couldn't get the drum off . I'm gonna replace everything soon and just cut the tabs and yank it all at once . Stupid set up has no tab for the adjuster or I have to look closer at it .

 

No hurry, whenever you have time.