I have a 2004 2500HD that I got just for the purpose of towing. Normally the brakes work just fine but when I have the trailer (10k+) hooked up everyone in traffic seems oblivious to the braking distance required of larger trucks with heavy loads. They seems to only drive in my blind spots unless they are jumping in front of me just as I'm approaching a red light or any sort of stopped traffic. This has caused me to pucker on a couple of occasions as I'd prefer not to run someone over and possibly kill or seriously hurt them. I've looked at a few options for brake upgrades and I don't really think any of the bbk's are worth the price on a truck that only cost 8k from the start. One option I'm considering is new rotors/yellow pads from EBC along with some better tires and braided lines. The current brakes don't lock up but with the pedal to the floor it feels like I'm trying to stop a school bus with sedan brakes. Does anyone have any op on EBC rotors/pads or any other ideas that may improve the braking on this truck? I always give myself plenty of stopping distance but that seems to work like an invitation to cut me off just so people can wait ten to fifteen feet closer to the light. I remember seeing an article a long time ago about some sort of booster for the master cylinder but I can't find anything on it anymore.

 

I've got EBC rotors and pads on my Z4 and they're a clear improvement over stock and have saved me a couple times when idiots have pulled out in front of me. That said, I can't say much about anything they have for larger trucks.

You might want to look at a company focused on trucks, as the brakes will be more suited for hauling. Meritor supplies the majority of the brakes for the trucking industry.

 

You run trailer brakes?

 

yes, I do use trailer brakes and stopping has yet to become an issue, but when people cut me off expecially when stopping down hill, it's a little nerve racking.

 

Turn the brake box up higher. Your not gonna get much more out of the truck. Chevrolet 3/4 and 1 ton trucks are notorious for having less than stellar brakes. My dad pulls a very large gooseneck horse trailer with a f350 and recently the motor went out. He switched to his 2500 chevy and complains constantly about the brakes. New rotors and fleet pads will help a bit, but honestly its just a chevy thing. All there full size vehicles seem to have weak brakes. Can't tell you how many customers come in to the shop with the same complaint. Only real solution is to buy a Ford ,or god forbid, a Dodge.

 

I wanted a Ford but I had to let the wife choose the truck. Gotta keep her happy so that I can keep my toys without hearing too much complaining. I just gave her a list of acceptable trucks and she chose the Chevy mostly based off of looks...

 

Surely there are some high friction pads out there that would help with this. Just to be clear, I mean high friction pads made for TRUCKS, not for sports cars.

 

Do the 3500 and 2500 have the same brakes? If the 3500s are larger, it shouldn't be too hard a swap.

 

A fluid change at the dealer (ABS needs a dealer machine) and aftermarket pads and rotors would be my suggestion. Stainless lines would not be a bad idea, either. Factory Chevy truck rotors have a reputation for short life, and depending on use and environment can chew up the pads. But old brake fluid will negate any improvement from pad and rotor replacements.

There are plenty of GM truck forums that could better answer your specific questions.

 

I did some searching on different forums before posting here. Most were unorganized (compared to s2ki) and I'm on here at least half the day anyways. Keeps me from having another distraction while at work. I appreciate the inputs so far.