I need to replace my calipers. Driver rear has a broken slide bolt (or whatever they're called) internally. One of the front's is a bit messed up as well. I've been slowly adding in a bit better performing parts. Disks are done, pads are done. I have steel braided break lines ready. I want to do the lines and calipers in one go, then have a brake system flush done at the same time. My base auto hobby shop has a machine for it, so I was going to do it all, then have them flush. My problem is, I'm looking to see if the oem stuff are ok, or if there are better performing ones. I was following stock on R1 concepts, but they've been out of stock for 4 months solid. Without going big break, anyone have suggestions? Is it even worth my time to look for specific performance calipers?

For reference, I've completely reworked my entire intake and exhaust. Went long tube and bought the programmer from Hemifever. I do take her on track, every so often, but it is still kind of a rare event (I have lots of medical issues, and it's difficult to go out there). I'm also...spirited...in my driving. Don't go nuts speeding, but do have my fun accelerating and on corners.

 

What year is your truck? What weight rating? Engine? Trans??

 

Didn't even think to put that, may apologies:

2010 1500 5.7 4x4 Crew cab, short bed
auto 5 speed w/ the manual option on the column shifter.
Also have tow package (came on all trucks at the place I bought her at)
3.55 axle ratio

 

Probably stock is all you are going to be able to do without spending big money. But, stock, with some GOOD quality pads, should be adequate to the task, unless you get really weird.

 

Don't really get crazy weird, just enough to make my wife hold onto the oh **** handle, then give me a "really?".. I put on R1's slotted rotors and some really good pads. Those alone seemed to make a decent difference. The braided lines should help as well. Was trying to squeeze out as much as I could, without going nuts. I'll stick with OEM, when I can get to changing out the calipers here in a few months.

Thank you!

 

Why do you want to change the calipers in the first place?? They aren't a part that generally fails.

 

When I did the pad and rotors, a bolt on the front passenger and rear driver's broke off internally (I over tightened, my fault). I'm pretty sure I'm not going to be able to get the broken bit out, and just replace that bolt. They seem to be holding and working ok, but I have only driven 6 or 7 times in the past 5 months, due to a series of surgeries. I don't really want to leave them like that, when I can drive again full time.

 

Yeah, broken bolts can be fun.

I don't know enough about the brakes on yours to make any recommendations though. Never played with 'em. Calipers and such are generally inexpensive though, depending on how many pistons they have in 'em.

 

It's the slide bolts, or whatever the long smooth shaft ones are called, that broke. They're holding, which tells me that only part of the thread broke off inside. So I don't think I'll have to drill anything, just remove the bolt and replace the calipers.

 

I recommend power stop towing kit. They make a noticeable difference. If you go that route, you have to season the pads.