KY Liberty wrote:
Have you tried some better rotors and pads yet? I have the drums in the rear which are great for the parking break since I have a steep driveway, but was horrible to stop during driving. Couldn't imagine trying to stop some 265 MT's. I upgraded to some frozen Powerslots. I had the Hawk HPS pads on them at first. Incredible difference in stopping power compared to stock. I had no idea that it could possibly stop that well. The problem was they produced a ton of dust. Within days of cleaning, the wheels were covered with dust, and they were squeaking terribly. I think their SUV pads may have been a better match. I ended up going down the street from my office and having Midas install the best stopping pads they had that didn't cause a lot of dust or squeak very much. A little dust is fine, and a squeak every once in a while is no problem. They put on some semi-metallics, and cleaned and adjusted the brakes for under $100 out the door. They don't stop as well as the Hawks, but there's almost no dust, and I've only heard them squeak once. They still stop much better than stock. I would think that if you're handy on the Jeep, that you could upgrade the stopping power up front quite a bit for under $200 right now. Then you could save up for the major upgrade.
I have powerslot rotors already,also had the hawk pads(they where junk threw them away,now I use Napa ceramics) but run Napa cermaics now,I also run Napa rear shoes,reblead,and reblead the brakes to no avail.Heck I even put those braided lines to prevent rubber line expansion.No it's time for a hydroboost system that can put out 2700psi compared to maybe 500-700psi the OEM system can produce.It will really help stop those 35" tires going on sometime next year with 12"+ disc's all around.