New Brakes?

[PeasBugs]

Does anyone have any experience with the different brake options that Sportsmobile West offers now. They are both by the BreakMan. One seems to be replacement pads and rotors. The other option seems to be an entire new break system. Has anyone bought either of these. And if so are they worth it.

 

[canyonclan]

Everyone we've spoken to says one of the weak links in the SMB is the OEM brake system found on the E350 van.

Not wanting to spend $4k, we opted for the $1k upgraded cryo-rotors and better pads. Also went w/17" rims, in case we ever decided to move to the next step up.

I think it really depends where/how you drive. If you have the 6.0 PSD engine, you can use the torque to your advantage when slowing down and learn to rely less on the brake system.

Living in Los Angeles, I want good brakes on my SMB.

That said, I also perfer to keep as much as the FORD van stock for ease of maintenance and repairs.

-Jeff

 

[kenkillsr]

Re; Brakes

Thusfar {30,000 Miles} We've had our SMB out on several trips throughout Oh, Mi, Wi, Mn, Il, In, Ky, Tn, SC, Ga, Fl, Al, Ms, La, Tx, NM, Az, Ok, and Ar.
Most miles, {70%}, towing our travel trailer, {GCW 19,500 Lb.}.
OEM brakes along with engine braking has been adequate for our needs.
Most recent inspection revealed no problems associated with brake overheating.
As with many other things, We might consider an upgrade when repair/replacement becomes necessary.
Really don't relish the idea of making changes just for the sake of change.
We also find the 245/75R16 Tires adequate but will probably upgrade to load range "F" when these are ready for replacement.
Also see my post in Towing and Toys.

 

[scatter-SMB]

I got the $1,000 rotor and pad upgrade. I was going for the $4,000 setup and even had the 17" wheels on the rig but decided that that was too much money. I went back to the 16" wheels cause there just aren't a lot of 17" tires here in the remote parts of Baja in case I busted a tire. I'm happy with what I got. I'm a firm believer in that you can't have too much money or too much stopping power, but the $4k was causing a real problem with the too much money part. I figured that I could always go with the the brakes by ssbrakes.com if I needed to upgrade as theirs will fit a 16" wheel.

Anyway, I'm happy with what I have and feel the braking is adequate. I down shift on long grades to keep from overheating. When I stomp the pedal for a panic stop, it does pretty good and the ABS will kick in so I can't ask for much more than that.

If money is no object....

 

[daveb-SMB]

1K brakeman upgrade

I found a big difference when I upgraded to the 1k setup. I also did not want to spend the 3K extra but was told the 4K does a great job. I posted on the SMB owners site about this. I think its worth it but would depend on how heavy your van is. I plan to do some stopping tests for Peter at SMB West soon. I would like to compare a stock van with my van of the same weight to see how much better it stops.
DaveB 11,000Lb EB 50

 

[DUKCSUN]

I am about to upgrade to the FrozenRotors discs and recommended pads. I spoke with the people at FrozenRotors and will be going with their recommendation which is slotted rotors and their metallic pads. I have cryo-treated other metal parts that I own that get really hot :a3: and I'm a believer. I think all in the parts will end up being around $1,500. They also recommended (for a stiff pedal feel) upgrading to the braided hoses which I may do since they will be in there changing things. They are around $80 a line.

I also have 16" wheels and from what I've been able to asses, this is going to be more than adequate for my needs.

Will report when I get it done and let you know how it goes.

 

[EMrider]

I am about to upgrade to the FrozenRotors discs and recommended pads. I spoke with the people at FrozenRotors and will be going with their recommendation which is slotted rotors and their metallic pads. I have cryo-treated other metal parts that I own that get really hot :a3: and I'm a believer. I think all in the parts will end up being around $1,500. They also recommended (for a stiff pedal feel) upgrading to the braided hoses which I may do since they will be in there changing things. They are around $80 a line.

I also have 16" wheels and from what I've been able to asses, this is going to be more than adequate for my needs.

Will report when I get it done and let you know how it goes.

Looking forward to a report. Are you doing this yourself, or having it done by a brake specialist?
R

 

[DUKCSUN]

I'll have them installed by a brake guy. Lots of those around LA that are familiar with Ford 350's.

 

[Jammyauto]

One thing that I would do for sure if I was ordering a new SMB now would be to get 17" rims so that your options are not limited in the future. I could live with the rather weak brakes on my van if driving it around by itself but I think I'm in for the big upgrade as I plan on using it this summer to tow a Pinzgaur up to Oregon for the Norhtwest Mog Festival. I used the SMB last summer to tow a Pinz to Hollister Hills SRVA and it was a little scarry! Anyone want a deal on 5 American racing 16" Mojave teflon rims with 295 BFG's on them? 5k miles since new!

 

[HIGHCOUNTRYMIKE]

Alignment Issue with my 2003 E350 Quigley 4X4 7.3
While driving in the Sierra last Fall I hit a rather large rock with the front right tire and for sure I thought I had damaged the the front suspension/steering system. I backed out and did a short test drive and it seemed to be ok with the exception that the steering wheel was off center by 135 degrees. Even with the cockeyed off center steering wheel the van drove straight and I made the 300 mile trip without any other issues.
I had the front end aligned. Drove home with the steering wheel only slightly off center.
Did a test trip of several 100 miles and by the time I returned the steering wheel had reverted to the 135 degrees of center.
It is obvious to me that something must be bent or damaged that will not allow the alignment to hold.
Before I go to another shop I would like some ideas as to a possible issue that my shop was not able to see (my shop is not a 4X4 shop but very reputable tire shop).
So any thoughts as to what is damaged or the cause of the off center wheel position.
ALSO
Anyone have a reputable 4X4 alignment shop in Los Angeles or SoCal