Brake upgrade for 15" wheels - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Crusty69 · 04-12-2023, 12:23 PM

I know there are big brake kits out there for running bigger wheels but is there anything out there for guys running 15" wheels other than just good pads?
Posted via Mobile Device

**70cst** · 04-12-2023, 03:37 PM

I'm signed on ...

**HeloCrewChief** · 04-12-2023, 04:33 PM

Following as well

72SB · 04-12-2023, 05:58 PM

I just have stock front disc but if you look at various aftermarket brands like Wilwood, Baer, etc,. they list "min" size wheel for their various kits,

I would think there is a multi-piston caliper made for 15" rims. More aggressive pads than stock and slotted and/or drilled rotors. The more aggressive the pad the more dust and rotor wear. Always a tradeoff

**dmjlambert** · 04-12-2023, 06:20 PM

I have manual disc brakes from a 1971 C10 on my 1969 C10 with 15 inch truck rally wheels, and it stops great.

**kwmech** · 04-12-2023, 09:24 PM

I have power drums on my 68 3/4 ton, big block and it stops just fine

**Rust_never_sleeps** · 04-12-2023, 09:53 PM

I've not seen discs bigger than 12" for 15" wheels(4 nub). You can get two-piston Wilwoods to clamp those down if you want.

**70cst** · 04-12-2023, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmjlambert

I have manual disc brakes from a 1971 C10 on my 1969 C10 with 15 inch truck rally wheels, and it stops great.

I thought after 70 our trucks were disc?

**dmjlambert** · 04-12-2023, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 70cst

I thought after 70 our trucks were disc?

Yes, that is why I upgraded my 1969 truck's drum brakes with disc setup from a 1971 truck. It stops without pulling to one side like I found drum brakes did for me.

Mike C · 04-12-2023, 10:49 PM

The stock discs work really well if in good shape. Get some new rotors and a set of street compound pads from someone like Hawk.

**Richard** · 04-12-2023, 11:06 PM

Hydroboost will more than double amount of pressure to the calipers/wheel cylinders.

Crusty69 · 04-13-2023, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard

Hydroboost will more than double amount of pressure to the calipers/wheel cylinders.

I thought about that. Wasn't sure what to grab one off of. I have a willwood manual master.

I haven't had any issues with my brakes but I want to add more power and potentially autocross so any upgrade I can get.

**HO455** · 04-13-2023, 01:48 PM

Wilwood D52 calipers are very good and should work with your spindles.

https://www.wilwood.com/Search/PartNoSearch?q=D52

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=400209

Here is a thread with sciency stuff in charts that shows how D52's compare to other popular calipers. A lot of information to digest but worth the read.

https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/...clamping+force

You may want to look into converting to later model spindles that will allow you to run a thicker 1.25 rotor.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=317654

Have you read this thread? An even longer read but worth it if you desire to go out and kill kones!

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=419251

**truckster** · 04-13-2023, 01:52 PM

Don't overlook the soft lines and the quality (age) of the brake fluid.

When I rebuilt my 72 Blazer I went with stock components, but everything is new. It stops really well.

72SB · 04-13-2023, 04:15 PM

My 72 when I got it last year with 117k mi (disc/drum on 15's) was manual brake and had the original brakes. Needless to say they were worn to almost the metal under pads/shoes and the soft lines were very clogged.

I bought all new stock calipers, pads, shoes, drums, bearings, seals, soft lines from rock auto and the power booster/MC from CPP. It stops on a dime now. Very happy.

If you are building a AutoX ride with 15" rims than a dual piston caliper, IIRC the Wilwood D52, slotted rotors and aggressive Hawk or EBC pads that would likely be better than stock. What really helps is replace soft lines with SS braided. Really forms up the brake pedal

jaros44sr · 04-13-2023, 08:13 PM

All ya need is hydra boost, it will put you in the windshield w/ 33s

16814310804127946505066559916248 by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/198023675@N07

**70cst** · 04-13-2023, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmjlambert

Yes, that is why I upgraded my 1969 truck's drum brakes with disc setup from a 1971 truck. It stops without pulling to one side like I found drum brakes did for me.

Good deal

**Steeveedee** · 04-13-2023, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 72SB

My 72 when I got it last year with 117k mi (disc/drum on 15's) was manual brake and had the original brakes. Needless to say they were worn to almost the metal under pads/shoes and the soft lines were very clogged.

I bought all new stock calipers, pads, shoes, drums, bearings, seals, soft lines from rock auto and the power booster/MC from CPP. It stops on a dime now. Very happy.

If you are building a AutoX ride with 15" rims than a dual piston caliper, IIRC the Wilwood D52, slotted rotors and aggressive Hawk or EBC pads that would likely be better than stock. What really helps is replace soft lines with SS braided. Really forms up the brake pedal

I'll keep the SS braided lines in mind when I replace my hoses (again). I put disc brakes on the front of my truck many years ago, and rebuilt the front end at the same time. Everything except the Pittman and idler arms. I put all new hoses on at that time. Brake pedal is still pretty firm, but I've never experienced the feel of the SS braided lines.

Crusty69 · 04-13-2023, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HO455

Wilwood D52 calipers are very good and should work with your spindles.

https://www.wilwood.com/Search/PartNoSearch?q=D52

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=400209

Here is a thread with sciency stuff in charts that shows how D52's compare to other popular calipers. A lot of information to digest but worth the read.

https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/...clamping+force

You may want to look into converting to later model spindles that will allow you to run a thicker 1.25 rotor.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=317654

Have you read this thread? An even longer read but worth it if you desire to go out and kill kones!

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=419251

I had wondered if those provided any more braking than the square body discs I'm running. I have some 80s Cadillac rear calipers but not really happy with them. Was going to move my fronts back there if I upgrade the front.

EagleChief · 04-14-2023, 01:37 PM

[quote=jaros44sr;9196205]All ya need is hydra boost, it will put you in the windshield w/ 33s

16814310804127946505066559916248 by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/198023675@N07[/quote]

What all is needed to make this conversion? My LS I'm installing has the Hydroboost setup, but I'm not sure if it's beneficial for me to add it, or just plug the line in the PS pump.

**HO455** · 04-15-2023, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crusty69

I had wondered if those provided any more braking than the square body discs I'm running. I have some 80s Cadillac rear calipers but not really happy with them. Was going to move my fronts back there if I upgrade the front.

They do provide more braking power just be sure to get the correct size pistons. The D52's come in two different piston configurations.

**Richard** · 04-16-2023, 01:45 AM

My main objective on a driver vehicle with some moderate to extreme use is to have replacement maintenance parts readily available local in a short time. Which is why I choose to use all OEM components in my drivetrain and just increase the pressure with the modern hydroboost. Drilled and slotted rotors of the same size actually have less initial braking power than solid rotors due to less surface area, they only decrease brake fade. As far as calipers, if the stopping power is there, I do not care how many pistons are in them.

04-12-2023, 12:23 PM	#1
Crusty69 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2022 Location: ky Posts: 17	Brake upgrade for 15" wheels I know there are big brake kits out there for running bigger wheels but is there anything out there for guys running 15" wheels other than just good pads? Posted via Mobile Device

04-12-2023, 03:37 PM	#2
70cst Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: New Madison, Ohio Posts: 21,339	Re: Brake upgrade for 15" wheels I'm signed on ... __________________ A husband can be right...or...A husband can be happy. 67-72 Chevy and GMC Trucks...The Classic Truck for the Classic Folk. 1970 CST Two tone green, 402BB, 400 Automatic, Tach, Buckets, AC, AM-FM, Tilt, GM CB, GM 8 Tract, LWB, etc JOHN 17:3...The better side of "LIFE" Remember: Everyday is a good day...Some are just gooder!

04-12-2023, 04:33 PM	#3
HeloCrewChief Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: North Alabama Posts: 1,029	Re: Brake upgrade for 15" wheels Following as well __________________ 1970 C10 to K20 conversion 1974 GMC Jimmy 1968 50th Anniversary Short Bed 1968 Chevelle 1964 Comet Caliente 1990 W250 Cummins

04-12-2023, 05:58 PM	#4
72SB Registered User Join Date: Apr 2022 Location: Moorpark, CA Posts: 701	Re: Brake upgrade for 15" wheels I just have stock front disc but if you look at various aftermarket brands like Wilwood, Baer, etc,. they list "min" size wheel for their various kits, I would think there is a multi-piston caliper made for 15" rims. More aggressive pads than stock and slotted and/or drilled rotors. The more aggressive the pad the more dust and rotor wear. Always a tradeoff

04-12-2023, 06:20 PM	#5
dmjlambert Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 3,564	Re: Brake upgrade for 15" wheels I have manual disc brakes from a 1971 C10 on my 1969 C10 with 15 inch truck rally wheels, and it stops great.

04-12-2023, 09:24 PM	#6
kwmech Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Colfax-California Posts: 8,391	Re: Brake upgrade for 15" wheels I have power drums on my 68 3/4 ton, big block and it stops just fine

04-12-2023, 09:53 PM	#7
Rust_never_sleeps Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2022 Location: San Ramon,CA Posts: 398	Re: Brake upgrade for 15" wheels I've not seen discs bigger than 12" for 15" wheels(4 nub). You can get two-piston Wilwoods to clamp those down if you want.

04-12-2023, 10:49 PM	#10
Mike C Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Austin, TX, USA Posts: 7,709	Re: Brake upgrade for 15" wheels The stock discs work really well if in good shape. Get some new rotors and a set of street compound pads from someone like Hawk. __________________ 44 Willys MB 52 M38A1 64 Corvette Coupe 68 Camaro 'vert LT1 & TH700 69 Z/28 355 12.6's @110 69 Chevy Short Step 4 1/2"/7" drop 72 Jimmy 4WD 4spd 4" & 35's 02 GMC 2500HD 4x4 Duramax

04-12-2023, 11:06 PM	#11
Richard Senior Member Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Southern California Posts: 2,698	Re: Brake upgrade for 15" wheels Hydroboost will more than double amount of pressure to the calipers/wheel cylinders. __________________ Richard 1972 K10 Custom Deluxe SWB Fleetside My build https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=800746

04-13-2023, 01:48 PM	#13
HO455 Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Portland Oregon Posts: 10,804	Re: Brake upgrade for 15" wheels Wilwood D52 calipers are very good and should work with your spindles. https://www.wilwood.com/Search/PartNoSearch?q=D52 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=400209 Here is a thread with sciency stuff in charts that shows how D52's compare to other popular calipers. A lot of information to digest but worth the read. https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/...clamping+force You may want to look into converting to later model spindles that will allow you to run a thicker 1.25 rotor. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=317654 Have you read this thread? An even longer read but worth it if you desire to go out and kill kones! http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=419251 __________________ Thanks to Bob and Jeanie and everyone else at Superior Performance for all their great help. RIP Bob Parks. 1967 Burban the WMB,1991 S(stink)-10 Blazer,1969 GTO, 1970 Javelin, 1952 F2 Ford 4X4, 29 Model A, 72 Firebird. 85 Alfa Romeo If it breaks I didn't want it in the first place The WMB repair thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=698377

04-13-2023, 01:52 PM	#14
truckster Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Orem, Utah Posts: 7,798	Re: Brake upgrade for 15" wheels Don't overlook the soft lines and the quality (age) of the brake fluid. When I rebuilt my 72 Blazer I went with stock components, but everything is new. It stops really well. __________________ I have sworn upon the altar of God, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man. - Thomas Jefferson

04-13-2023, 04:15 PM	#15
72SB Registered User Join Date: Apr 2022 Location: Moorpark, CA Posts: 701	Re: Brake upgrade for 15" wheels My 72 when I got it last year with 117k mi (disc/drum on 15's) was manual brake and had the original brakes. Needless to say they were worn to almost the metal under pads/shoes and the soft lines were very clogged. I bought all new stock calipers, pads, shoes, drums, bearings, seals, soft lines from rock auto and the power booster/MC from CPP. It stops on a dime now. Very happy. If you are building a AutoX ride with 15" rims than a dual piston caliper, IIRC the Wilwood D52, slotted rotors and aggressive Hawk or EBC pads that would likely be better than stock. What really helps is replace soft lines with SS braided. Really forms up the brake pedal

04-13-2023, 08:13 PM	#16
jaros44sr Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Philadelphia, Pa. 19454 Posts: 9,421	Re: Brake upgrade for 15" wheels All ya need is hydra boost, it will put you in the windshield w/ 33s 16814310804127946505066559916248 by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/198023675@N07 __________________ Semper Fi...Uncle Sam, you da man All parts offered to help are free, unless otherwise noted Dont try this stuff in my build thread, unless you have 55 years of mechanical OTJ training SAFETY FIRST AS usual, off topic They say your mind goes second, can't remember the first Jim

04-14-2023, 01:37 PM	#20
EagleChief Registered User Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 410	Re: Brake upgrade for 15" wheels [quote=jaros44sr;9196205]All ya need is hydra boost, it will put you in the windshield w/ 33s 16814310804127946505066559916248 by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/198023675@N07[/quote] What all is needed to make this conversion? My LS I'm installing has the Hydroboost setup, but I'm not sure if it's beneficial for me to add it, or just plug the line in the PS pump. __________________ 1971 C10 - Hugger Orange/White My Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=780197 LS Swap Thread: https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=811460

04-16-2023, 01:45 AM	#22
Richard Senior Member Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Southern California Posts: 2,698	Re: Brake upgrade for 15" wheels My main objective on a driver vehicle with some moderate to extreme use is to have replacement maintenance parts readily available local in a short time. Which is why I choose to use all OEM components in my drivetrain and just increase the pressure with the modern hydroboost. Drilled and slotted rotors of the same size actually have less initial braking power than solid rotors due to less surface area, they only decrease brake fade. As far as calipers, if the stopping power is there, I do not care how many pistons are in them. __________________ Richard 1972 K10 Custom Deluxe SWB Fleetside My build https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=800746



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