big brake kit vs. powerstop

[styck.shyfter]

any one running powerstop brakes with 37s? looking for reviews of powerstops on a built gladiator. i've run big brakes on jks in the past, looking to safe some scratch on my gladiator.

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[JT1]

any one running powerstop brakes with 37s? looking for reviews of powerstops on a built gladiator. i've run big brakes on jks in the past, looking to safe some scratch on my gladiator.

Mine is fine on 37s with factory brakes. If it was a JL, it probably needs some upgrading, but the JTs have enough from the factory where I'm not concerned. It stops easily from 85+ and I can engage ABS without issues. If I went to a 39, I would consider upgrading.

 

[styck.shyfter]

that's great jti - thanks for the feedback.

 

[AmosMoses]

Jeep did do an excellent job with the gladiators brakes.

 

[smlobx]

I’m interested in possibly upgrading as well. On a recent 5000 mile trip to CO and UT from NC I was at least at gvwr and didn’t feel as if the brakes were as responsive as I would have liked but boy they are expensive..

Since my Gladiator is 4 years old I may decide to do a brake fluid flush first to see if that helps before dropping the coin on an upgrade but I haven’t decided which brand to get if I do.

Ive heard good things about the Terraflex Big Brake kit.
https://www.extremeterrain.com/tera...a-big-brake-kit-5x5-bolt-pattern-4403450.html

What ever you do DO NOT buy drilled rotors. They actually degrade the performance and can lead to premature cracking.

 

[darkhorse13]

I opted for the big brake kit from Powerbrake. Yes it's a big pill to swallow in terms of $$ but it's truly worth the price of entry. My truck is heavily loaded though. If you are just considering a brake upgrade because of 37's only then I'd say the OEM setup is adequate.

 

[LostWoods]

I opted for the big brake kit from Powerbrake. Yes it's a big pill to swallow in terms of $$ but it's truly worth the price of entry. My truck is heavily loaded though. If you are just considering a brake upgrade because of 37's only then I'd say the OEM setup is adequate.

Yeah ask why you're doing the swap. Big brake kits don't make you stop faster, they reduce fade, so unless you're heavy in the mountains and/or towing a lot, they probably aren't going to help as much as you want. Different pad compounds are an option if you want a different feel.

 

[PuddleJumper]

any one running powerstop brakes with 37s? looking for reviews of powerstops on a built gladiator. i've run big brakes on jks in the past, looking to safe some scratch on my gladiator.

Our Jeeps get Ram 1500 brakes basically. If you want more bite I would just get a more aggressive bad like EBC's new orange stuff and then have the rotors resurfaced just to ensure a proper break in.

 

[BourbonRunner]

What ever you do DO NOT buy drilled rotors. They actually degrade the performance and can lead to premature cracking.

Yep. If they're forged that way it is one thing but drilling can introduce weak points. Under repeated heat cycles it can and will fail. They did look cool, though.

Yeah ask why you're doing the swap. Big brake kits don't make you stop faster, they reduce fade, so unless you're heavy in the mountains and/or towing a lot, they probably aren't going to help as much as you want. Different pad compounds are an option if you want a different feel.

^^^ THIS ^^^

OEM brake pads are generally the least expensive good pad available for mass production. There are so much better options in the aftermarket.

@OP:

Before you start putting big money into the brake system, flush the brakes and replace with a high quality, high temp/severe duty fluid. I use Royal Purple. Swap the factory rubber lines for stainless and get the best pads you can afford. For under $400 you can make a massive difference.

 

[Rusty PW]

I've used EBC Yellowstuff pads on my Power Wagon, and Grand Cherokee. Towed a 10,000 lb camper with the PW. They have a nice bite and don't fade. Also installed stainless brake lines and used Castrol SRF brake fluid. That brake fluid is for track rats because it's $$. Planning on doing the same thing with the JT. Already have the stainless lines and brake fluid. Just waiting for the oem pads to wear down.

 

[LostWoods]

Yep. If they're forged that way it is one thing but drilling can introduce weak points. Under repeated heat cycles it can and will fail. They did look cool, though.



^^^ THIS ^^^

OEM brake pads are generally the least expensive good pad available for mass production. There are so much better options in the aftermarket.

@OP:

Before you start putting big money into the brake system, flush the brakes and replace with a high quality, high temp/severe duty fluid. I use Royal Purple. Swap the factory rubber lines for stainless and get the best pads you can afford. For under $400 you can make a massive difference.

Crown brake lines made a fair difference on mine. I'm not sure I'd have done them without the lift but it was a welcome improvement.

 

[Rusty PW]

Crown brake lines made a fair difference on mine. I'm not sure I'd have done them without the lift but it was a welcome improvement.

I have the KLM brake lines.

 

[AmishMike]

At 70K miles, my brakes seemed less responsive than they were. I opted for Yellow front pads and PowerStops for the rear (What I could find at the time) with new NAPA rotors. OE pads were still at 50%.
The yellows act like GOOD organic pads, grab quick and hard but lots of dust and some noise.

note: I often pull a small open trailer up to 4000 lbs. and a camper that is 2480 dry

 

[willys 41]

any one running powerstop brakes with 37s? looking for reviews of powerstops on a built gladiator. i've run big brakes on jks in the past, looking to safe some scratch on my gladiator.

As far as power stop brake caliper go.
I called power stop and ask what calipers do you use.
I was told that they are factor calipers rebuilt with factory parts and painted.
If you are looking for one of the best brake systems go with Teraflex Delta brakes. You wont be sorry. After spending 100$ I finely installed a set on my 2020 Willys with 37 tires weighing in at 6400lbs fully loaded.
They are amazing and they use Toyota Tundra brake pads so if you want upgrade the pads not a problem unlike the Baer SS4 brakes I first tried and no mater what I did they squeaked like a screaming cat and saw very little improvement in stopping ability. I call baer I got NO help.
Don't what I did and wast time and money. Go for Teraflex Delta brakes

 

[RodRecket]

I did the Powerstop Z36 truck and tow rotors/pads for the fronts, the rear brakes are stock, and went steel braided brake lines all around. I'm happy with the $ to performance ratio. I'm on 38's and tow a small teardrop when I go cross country for wheeling trips.

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