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smlobx
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- Eddie
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This is actually a complicated question with a lot of moving parts..
The cheapest way to “upgrade” your brakes would be to use a more aggressive pad that has a better initial bite. There are several vendors but I am partial to Performance Friction. These could also increase your brake dust and not last as long but that’s not what you asked about.
Going deeper into your wallet you can start replacing the brake calipers, rotors etc.
Here are a couple of options but Google is your friend..
https://baer.com/14-Front-Pro-Brake-System-4401006.html
And
https://realtruck.com/p/brembo-gt-drilled-brake-kit/brb-1n1-9024a2/
You will see a lot of companies, including the ones above, showing drilled rotors. For the love of god do not buy these as they are actually a detriment to the performance of your braking system. I could go into a whole dissection on the subject but Google it if you want to find out more...
Good luck!
The cheapest way to “upgrade” your brakes would be to use a more aggressive pad that has a better initial bite. There are several vendors but I am partial to Performance Friction. These could also increase your brake dust and not last as long but that’s not what you asked about.
Going deeper into your wallet you can start replacing the brake calipers, rotors etc.
Here are a couple of options but Google is your friend..
https://baer.com/14-Front-Pro-Brake-System-4401006.html
And
https://realtruck.com/p/brembo-gt-drilled-brake-kit/brb-1n1-9024a2/
You will see a lot of companies, including the ones above, showing drilled rotors. For the love of god do not buy these as they are actually a detriment to the performance of your braking system. I could go into a whole dissection on the subject but Google it if you want to find out more...
Good luck!
OP
OP
BullDogge
Well-Known Member
- Thread starter
- #3
Ok thank you for the recommendation or possible recommendation against! lol I will wait for some others to bite first. 6 piston baer or brembo seems like an upgrade from my limited understanding. I will read up more on rotors. I believe in the past I have "upgraded" to slotted rotors, perhaps mistakenly.
smlobx
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- Eddie
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Slotted rotors do offer some improvement under severe use. I run slotted rotors on my Porsche race car where I routinely brake from ~150 mph down to about 45. In situations like this gases “can” build up, which hinders the pad from making the most contact possible.
In a pick up truck situation running on normal roads as reasonable speeds I doubt that there is enough gas build up to be of concern. What I would be concerned about is the “mass” of the rotor and it’s ability to absorb and release the heat that is built up. I haven’t looked closely at the Gladiators brakes but I would suspect that the rotors in front are vented (between the two sides) which allow it to cool better and that’s a good thing. The rear may also be the same but I don’t know.
The other thing to be aware of is your brake fluid. In most high performance street cars the manufacturer recommends changing the fluid out every two years or so. This is because the fluid is hydroscopic meaning it absorbs water which will decrease the effectiveness of the system. I doubt your Gladiator has issues with the fluid since it’s so new but moving forward you might want to keep this in mind.
I had some concern on my F-350 when I loaded my camper on it had had a “Oh shit “ moment when someone cut me off at about 50 mph. I upgraded the brake pads from OEM spec to Performance Friction Truck pads and have been very pleased with the results.
In a pick up truck situation running on normal roads as reasonable speeds I doubt that there is enough gas build up to be of concern. What I would be concerned about is the “mass” of the rotor and it’s ability to absorb and release the heat that is built up. I haven’t looked closely at the Gladiators brakes but I would suspect that the rotors in front are vented (between the two sides) which allow it to cool better and that’s a good thing. The rear may also be the same but I don’t know.
The other thing to be aware of is your brake fluid. In most high performance street cars the manufacturer recommends changing the fluid out every two years or so. This is because the fluid is hydroscopic meaning it absorbs water which will decrease the effectiveness of the system. I doubt your Gladiator has issues with the fluid since it’s so new but moving forward you might want to keep this in mind.
I had some concern on my F-350 when I loaded my camper on it had had a “Oh shit “ moment when someone cut me off at about 50 mph. I upgraded the brake pads from OEM spec to Performance Friction Truck pads and have been very pleased with the results.
Ole Cowboy
Well-Known Member
EBC brake pads. Got a friend of mine who is a consultant to the auto industry and he owns his company. One of the things they do is a LOT of testing. He tells me EBC is as good as you get.
https://ebcbrakes.com/products/brake-pads/
https://ebcbrakes.com/products/brake-pads/
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