Brakes

[DownShiftz]

I have acclimated a little to my 3500 SRW now and so far happy with my purchase for the most part.
One thing I’m not impressed with however is the brakes. Towing my 5er, and especially the unloaded weight, the stopping power seems to be lacking, almost “spongy”.
Physical size of rotors and calipers look impressive though and maybe I need to just let things wear in a little more. Already thinking about pad upgrades to try. I do run exhaust brake which is AWESOME by the way.
What if any mods/upgrades are you guys running or thinking about?

 

[miles]

Upgrade to power stop z36 truck and tow kit.
It includes rotors (slotted & drilled), pads, and calibers.
I did this, brakes still feel spongy even after double bleeding them but lots more stopping power.

 

[AKDoug]

Yeah, the brakes are sub-par for sure. They were the same way for 200K+ miles on my '06 Duramax as well, so I'm used to it. I find myself driving around in tow haul so at least the downshifts are very aggressive.

 

[DownShiftz]

Ok yeah after posting I searched around and it looks like there is a history of problems discussed on other forums. It’s disappointing that RAM would purposely skimp out on the brake system for it’s HD trucks. ?? I’ll be upgrading to the Power Stop or similar very soon.

 

[elephantrider]

stay away from any drilled rotors. upgrade the pads to ebc or similar.

I have no complaints on the brakes.

 

[Brutal_HO]

stay away from any drilled rotors. upgrade the pads to ebc or similar.

I have no complaints on the brakes.

I looked to see if EBC had the ED pads for the 3500 and couldn't find any.

I wonder if the powerstop pads alone would provide any improvement? The truck will stop, but that spongy pedal needs a lot of force/travel.

I know it's 1K heavier, but the EBC (I think they were green stuff) pads I put on my 04.5 were a vast improvement over stock.

 

[MB390]

I thought it was just me. My 04 duramax with 2 year old pads and rotors stops better than my new 2500

 

[oaklandopen]

Maybe upgrade the brakes hoses to steel braided? That should clear up some sponginess I would think