Reading around old threads I have a little confusion on upgrading my 99 1500 brakes.

For the rear, do I use Chevy or dodge wheel cylinders?
- are they supposed to be for a 2500 or 3500? Is there a difference?

For the front. Do i just need 1999 2500 calipers or do I also need the brackets? Are the pads the same as my current ones?

Will the upgraded calipers clear my 15" rims?

 

Front
Dodge 2500 calipers, no brackets.
1500 pads (although the 2500 are supposed to fit with a little persuasion)

Rear
Dodge 2500 cylinders
1500 shoes.


The calipers and rear cylinders are the exact same size as the 1500 but just with a bigger bore/piston.

 

Thank you. My right front caliper hangs up after the truck sits over night. I'm pretty sure its a collapsed brake hose but I wanted to upgrade the brakes anyways. The only thing stopping me was being unsure if my rims would still fit.

We should sticky the brake upgrade info for future purposes. Maybe a diy?

 

I'm not certain if the 99 is the same as the 98, but;

Front use 2500LD calipers (80mm bore), 1500 disks and pads.
2500HD calipers are twin piston and have a different mount.

Rear use 2500HD/3500 cylinders (28mm bore), 1500 drums and shoes.
Use GM3500 if you need more (30mm bore).

Stock front is 75mm bore, rear is 24mm bore.

 

The 2500 calipers come in two different flavors, the light duty, which is the bigger piston, and the heavy duty, which is a dual piston design. You want the light duty fellers, and just use 1500 pads/everything else.

Replace your soft lines while you are at it.

 

Following this... Almost ate the *** end of a Silverado on the highway and I was standing on the brakes too, actually hurt my leg. I bet I missed him by a hair. First time Ive noticed anything with the brakes and now it seems to lack stopping power with normal stop n go on the side streets. Only had the truck since July2016, so guess I better dig into the brakes and see whats going on soon. I may upgrade, just checked on parts everything runs around $20 except the rotors and drums. I like the upgrade idea.

 

use stainless braided lines, supposed to be the best.

 

You WILL notice the difference. I went with the 2500 rear cylinders and they were more than adequate for me.

 

I agree... it's a good upgrade.
And unless you spend most of your time loaded, the GM3500 rear cylinders aren't needed.

 

I agree^^^^ I have the dodge cylinders and they work great. They seem to balance the brakes front to rear. Unless you're carrying a 1000# in the box or towing most of the time I think the GM cylinder would apply to much rear brake. I don't have the big calipers in the front though.