4 Piston Big Brake Upgrade from 2019-20

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

findog78

Member
Joined
Aug 10, 2020
Posts
58
Reaction score
41
Location
Puyallup WA
I procrastinated long enough my rears are making noise. Figured good time to see for myself and upgrade fronts at the same time. I went with Power Stop tow rotors, pads, and stainless lines. When I went to order front calipers they are back ordered everywhere for days and out of stock for miles. Thinking someone may have bought a set and got cold feet or just changed their mind and sitting on shelf for me to purchase? ;)
 

Logan5

Member
Joined
Jul 6, 2021
Posts
95
Reaction score
308
Location
Albany, NY
Started my big brake upgrade today. I knew I was in for trouble but I like challenges. So I have the stock 17" Z71 rims.

In order to get the calipers to fit I had to grind down the ridge on the top of the calipers, as some others have done, and I needed a 1/4" wheel spacer.

I don't care for wheel spacers but 1/4" is minimal so I felt OK with that. I used a single 2mm stainless washer to space the caliper. The caliper is not centered on the rotors, it is offset a little back, which allowed me to get away with using a single 1/4" wheel spacer.

My brain went a little crazy at first, but after some thought I do not think the caliper being slightly off-center matters. The pistons on the calipers will extends and contact the rotors, and the pressure on both sides should be equal.

I was worried about the wheel spacer, so I took some measurements with a digital caliper and I calculate that with a 1/4" wheel spacer I lost 15% of my thread engagement.

So I am running 85% of my threads on all 6 lugs. A little worrisome but not enough to deter me. Maybe I will get longer studs, but for now I am up and running.

Road test went great, brakes feel great. Next time I hitch up the boat I will see if it was all worth it.



IMG_2368.JPGIMG_2370.JPGIMG_2378.JPG
 

iamdub

Full Access Member
Joined
Apr 23, 2016
Posts
20,821
Reaction score
44,943
Location
Li'l Weezyana
I was worried about the wheel spacer, so I took some measurements with a digital caliper and I calculate that with a 1/4" wheel spacer I lost 15% of my thread engagement.

Isn't there a considerable amount of threaded shank protruding from the lug nut when it's tightened? Or, do you lose that plus whatever amount to equal that 15% reduction in thread engagement?


Road test went great, brakes feel great. Next time I hitch up the boat I will see if it was all worth it.



View attachment 369030View attachment 369031View attachment 369032


Have a good side shot showing the whole truck with them installed and behind the wheels?
 

Logan5

Member
Joined
Jul 6, 2021
Posts
95
Reaction score
308
Location
Albany, NY
Isn't there a considerable amount of threaded shank protruding from the lug nut when it's tightened? Or, do you lose that plus whatever amount to equal that 15% reduction in thread engagement?

There is an unthreaded section at the top of the lug, as well as an unthreaded section at the top of the nut, so I had to device a method to accurately get these measurements.

Here is what I did. First I put the nut on the stud to where the first thread would catch. Then I measured the depth of the hole.



IMG_2373.JPG

The first place I can catch a thread is at 13mm.

Then I put the tire on and measured again.

IMG_2375.JPG

The depth at .3mm means I have 12.7mm of thread engagement.

Now I need to know what the full thread depth is, so I put a bolt in reverse to where it would catch a thread and measured again from the bottom.


IMG_2376.jpg

14.8mm is the total thread depth of the nut.

12.7/14.8 = .858 or about ~%85.


Have a good side shot showing the whole truck with them installed and behind the wheels?
 

Logan5

Member
Joined
Jul 6, 2021
Posts
95
Reaction score
308
Location
Albany, NY
Isn't there a considerable amount of threaded shank protruding from the lug nut when it's tightened? Or, do you lose that plus whatever amount to equal that 15% reduction in thread engagement?

Have a good side shot showing the whole truck with them installed and behind the wheels?

My rims have a lot of coverage and don't make for pretty shots, also the aesthetic of my vehicle is a work in progress.

IMG_2381.JPG

Here is the other side:

IMG_2380.JPG

And here is a clearance shot.

IMG_2379.jpg

!
 

TheAutumnWind

Full Access Member
Joined
Jan 8, 2015
Posts
3,222
Reaction score
1,921
There is an unthreaded section at the top of the lug, as well as an unthreaded section at the top of the nut, so I had to device a method to accurately get these measurements.

Here is what I did. First I put the nut on the stud to where the first thread would catch. Then I measured the depth of the hole.



View attachment 369104

The first place I can catch a thread is at 13mm.

Then I put the tire on and measured again.

View attachment 369105

The depth at .3mm means I have 12.7mm of thread engagement.

Now I need to know what the full thread depth is, so I put a bolt in reverse to where it would catch a thread and measured again from the bottom.


View attachment 369106

14.8mm is the total thread depth of the nut.

12.7/14.8 = .858 or about ~%85.
Huh, I never noticed that unthreaded section of the nut. I am sure its fine, but that would probably make me nervous.
 

HansJr

Full Access Member
Joined
Jun 18, 2020
Posts
170
Reaction score
360
Location
Coral Springs, Florida
Will not work with the Declads, I know 100%

I have declads and thats why I sold my set up.
Well damn. I just read that and my happy feelings left. I just got 2015 LTZ wheels and had them powder coated. Did you have the 5 or 6 spoke? And where wouldn’t it clear?
 

Forum statistics

Threads
132,316
Posts
1,865,860
Members
96,909
Latest member
Screech
Top