For the 1997 and a few other years around the 97, the hub bearing has to come out to pull the rotors to turn them. Not that it is a big pita but if you don't have to do it, its one less step while doing front brakes. Has anyone changed over to a different bearing/hub/rotor setup whereby the bearing stays and the rotor comes off like the 1500? Also I would mind trying a front caliper swap to a dual piston setup. For those who have not tried the GM rear brake cylinder swap Burning Rom has posted about, its worth the little effort and expense. Unless it was just a slow unnoticeable creep into crappy rear brake performance or just the acceptance of junk right out of the box, this change so far has been great. We will have to see if performance declines again. So far, I haven't thrown the dog off the front seat during the morning rear brake lockup.

 

When they went to the dual piston calipers in the front, I do believe they switched to the newer style hubs that the 1500s had. That would be on the 2001 and 2002 Heavy Duty Trucks. In 2002, they also eliminated the CAD in the front axle. I plan on doing the swap someday (hubs and calipers), but it's not real high on my list due to the cost of gas and the other issues I "need" to address....like headers, ladder bars, and a cam [8D]

It's good to hear that the wheel cylinder swap helped you out

 

With out a doubt it helped. Cheapest fix/upgrade out there. I just checked out a friends shop where he has a fleet of Ford vans with Dana 60's. They all have dual piston disc calipers both front and rear. This guy is a top notch mechanic and keeps up a fleet of oil service vans and heavy duty oil rigs. He is meticulous in his work and maintenance. When he went to the rear discs, he said his front brake changes went to an average of 23,000 miles from 14,000. He felt the stopping distance was decreased due to the front and rear discs. However, rear brake pads had to be done with front pads although with the better mileage between brake jobs it wasn't too painful. Rotors were turned every other pad change. As we all know, pads changes are quick if rotors don't have to be cut, especially if the vechile is on a lift and you have impact tools. I plan to stick with my rear shoes especially now with the upgrade and see how they work out. As for the front dual piston calipers, I definately would like to try to upgrade since I pull a heavy trailer quite often. He agreed that the dual piston should help in the stopping power and distance. Thanks again Rom for the rear cylinder tip.