So I was assuming that because it's a parts-bin fiesta, that there would be some bolt-on upgrade for my 2500 Suburban's brakes. Figured knowing GM, there would be some huuuuuuuge industrial vehicle (tow truck, etc.) that one would be able to swap parts from.

Turns out, really can't find anything other than pad or (same size) rotors availble in the aftermarket. SSBC has something, but it doesn't really increase the thermal mass of the system, only the piston area. The thing needs more thermal mass and rejection more than anything else. I can find huge brake kits for the later models, but not for my 97.

Suggestions? I've searched all over the place and there really don't seem to be any obvious answers. Everyone swaps out the rear drums for discs, but for the 2500 front it's basically pads and that's it. WTH? It's certainly the weakest point of the truck, especially with 8k of trailer behind it. It's just wrong...

 

For rear brakes, putting the 14Bolt FF (Full Floating) axle in from a LATER duramax or similar will net you some very large disk brakes. Very large indeed.

Front, I don't know.

 

i have a 2001 (Z71) Suburban and would like any suggestions from anyone "in the know"

thanks

 

Try these guys. You may have to call them

http://www.ssbrakes.com/ssbc-product...line-overview/

The biggest problem with most GM trucks that I've owned is the brake lines. I've switched them out to SS lines and the improvement has been noticeable.

 

For your suburban ... SSBC has stuff but so does Baer brakes. Rear drum conversion to discs is the first thing I'd do but ... have been towing ~ #5,000 enclosed trailer for years (with a K1500 'buran) up and down east coast to tracks with no problems. Electric trailer brakes X 2 axles MUST be in good shape.

Good luck.