[sbsyncro]

It's time for brakes and after several hours of reading through forum posts it looks like the options for upgrading brakes are endless (and constantly changing). I don't want to spend $2,000 on a "real" BBK right now, but if I'm going to spend $300 on a Power Stop or Raybestos Element 3 kit, I'm wondering if there is something 'in between" where I can spend a few hundred bucks more to get me to the next level of performance? I run 315's and also tow a small 2,500 lb camp trailer (that has 10" brakes). OEM brakes are sufficient (not great, but sufficient) so it would be nice to get a bit more braking performance.

I'm sure there are a lot of opinions about Power Stop vs. Raybestos (and I'm open to those) but I'm particularly interested in something that might be a mechanical "upgrade" for a bit more. Looking at the Teraflex kit that just includes rotors and caliper brackets (no pads?) for one axle for $365 doesn't seem like a particularly good deal...

In case it is relevant I'm running 17" wheels but with only 5.2" backspace (I see some BBKs that say min 4.5" backspace)

Thanks in advance

 

[rsmwrangler]

I have 315/70/17 and while the stock rotors with upgraded pads were sufficient for me (or so i thought), it took couple of more aggressive maneuvers to realize i needed a little better leverage. So i started with the TF big rotors with Calipers front only and i continued to use my brake pads upgrades, which in my case worked great, Wagner Severe Duty SX1273 front.
i ran that setup for a few months and came across couple of Amazon giftcards that gave me a discount for the rear matching set. i didn't think i needed them until i installed and yep, lot better brakes than just having the front big rotors only in the front. I also matched the pads in the rear with Wagner Severe Duty SX1274
The pads are not ceramic but semi-metallic as i've found ceramic doesn't offer the same brake bite when cold compared to semi-metallic ones so i run full semi-metallic pads now days in my Jeep and Truck. I don't care about ceramic pads anymore.
Yes i looked into all the other options but in the name of simplicity i discarded repurposing JT brakes, JL brakes and all the other stuff about non-JK brakes. I like simple and it works for me

 

[sbsyncro]

Thanks for the info. So basically, you're running these two kits (which don't appear to come with pads?)
https://teraflex.com/jk-front-performance-big-rotor-kit-w-vented-rotors-5x5-5x5-5.html ($366)
https://teraflex.com/jk-rear-performance-big-rotor-kit-w-solid-rotors-5x5-5x5-5.html ($492)

with these pads
https://www.amazon.com/Wagner-Brake-Severeduty-Disc-SX1273/dp/B09QCDPCD8/ ($75)
https://www.amazon.com/Wagner-Brake-SX1274-SevereDuty-Semi-Metallic/dp/B07TPXHW6J/ ($37)

So all in at current rates, this setup would run about $1,000

The Teraflex kits are just larger diameter rotors with a bracket to move the OEM pads outward, right? (or are the pads larger as well, and thus the pads I listed above aren't used with the Teraflex kits?)

This is the part that gets me confused. Spending $1000 but ending up with the same "brake swept area" doesn't seem like a great ROI (though I suppose they would cool faster with lather rotors)

Thanks again for the help.

 

[DBL]

I started with just the TF Big Rotors on all four corners which was a good improvement over stock. I eventually added the big rotors for the kit up front and it made a huge difference. It would have been less expensive just to do it in the first place, but live and learn. Might be a little more than you want to spend right now, but it also might be worth saving for another couple of months and making the jump.

 

[sbsyncro]

I started with just the TF Big Rotors on all four corners which was a good improvement over stock. I eventually added the big rotors for the kit up front and it made a huge difference. It would have been less expensive just to do it in the first place, but live and learn. Might be a little more than you want to spend right now, but it also might be worth saving for another couple of months and making the jump.

I think you mean that you started with just fronts and eventually added rears too and it would have been cheaper to just all 4 at the same time? Would you mind pointing me to the kit you would have gotten? Thanks!

 

[TerryC6]

....This is the part that gets me confused. Spending $1000 but ending up with the same "brake swept area" doesn't seem like a great ROI (though I suppose they would cool faster with lather rotors)....

Thanks again for the help.

You are correct that the swept area does not change. But the larger diameter rotors provide more leverage and a larger surface area for the pads to work with.

 

[rockred]

I run 37 inch Goodyear MTR tires with 4:56 gearing on my 2013 JKR [automatic tranny].
I found EBC greenstuff brake pads work quite well.
No need for bigger rotors, calipers, master brake cylinders or any other up grades other than: Just make certain you have upgraded your stock garbage flexible brake lines to high quality aftermarket stainless steel flexible lines!
I will admit I do not tow anything. I feel it is not a good idea to tow anything with a Jeep. Not only do they tend to overheat, unless you are geared down to 5:13 or 5.36, I feel you are overworking your paltry Jeep engine!

 

[jeepers29]

I had the crown BBK on my 14 JKUR and it did quire well. A lot of bang for your buck.

 

[sbsyncro]

I had the crown BBK on my 14 JKUR and it did quire well. A lot of bang for your buck.

This one?

Crown Automotive RT31058 Front & Rear Big Brake Kit for 07-18 Jeep Wrangler JK

Completely Bolt-On With No Cutting, Welding or Spacers Required. Utilizes the Factory Rear Brake Calipers. Front Rotors are Drilled for a 5 on 5″ Bolt Pattern. Rear Rotors are Drilled for a 5 on 5″ and 5 on 5.5″ Pattern.

www.quadratec.com

No need for bigger rotors, calipers, master brake cylinders or any other up grades other than: Just make certain you have upgraded your stock garbage flexible brake lines to high quality aftermarket stainless steel flexible lines!

Good to hear. I do think that towing obviously puts a bigger demand on the brakes, but I drive pretty conservatively and I've also found the original brakes to be fine with 35's. I run 4.88 gears over a manual transmission and have replaced all my brake lines with braided stainless ones. That did make a big difference

 

[rsmwrangler]

Thanks for the info. So basically, you're running these two kits (which don't appear to come with pads?)
https://teraflex.com/jk-front-performance-big-rotor-kit-w-vented-rotors-5x5-5x5-5.html ($366)
https://teraflex.com/jk-rear-performance-big-rotor-kit-w-solid-rotors-5x5-5x5-5.html ($492)

with these pads
https://www.amazon.com/Wagner-Brake-Severeduty-Disc-SX1273/dp/B09QCDPCD8/ ($75)
https://www.amazon.com/Wagner-Brake-SX1274-SevereDuty-Semi-Metallic/dp/B07TPXHW6J/ ($37)

So all in at current rates, this setup would run about $1,000

The Teraflex kits are just larger diameter rotors with a bracket to move the OEM pads outward, right? (or are the pads larger as well, and thus the pads I listed above aren't used with the Teraflex kits?)

This is the part that gets me confused. Spending $1000 but ending up with the same "brake swept area" doesn't seem like a great ROI (though I suppose they would cool faster with lather rotors)

Thanks again for the help.

Yep, the caliper brackets are modified to reuse any JK pads but they relocate the bracket/pads to fit the larger diameter rotor so you get more breaking leverage from the setup with bigger rotors while still maintaining the simplicity of going to any Auto part store and running whatever JK specific pads give you the chills It's a big improvement over stock, first time you step on the brakes you feel them if you have pads worth their money. I wasted buckos trying to find/like Powerstop pads and rotors on the stocker size that will give better braking performance, Z33 or 36, carbon this or that lol. I done with Ceramics. Semi metallic are cheaper and stop better, even on stock rotors i felt the difference but adding's BBKs did a huge deed for me.

Now, there are more complete BB systems out there but they're also more expensive since you get upgraded/bigger/more pistons/hydraulics etc etc.
For 35's the performance you get with the bigger rotors and heat dissipation along with any quality pad is worth the $1000 cause nothing in stock size will work as good with 35's, let alone bigger than 35" tires. I paid a better price cause the gift cards though.

You don't have to start with everything in one shot. If you're looking for a bit more braking performance like you said in your OP where a few hundred bucks will make the difference then start at the front with a simple BBK and that should give a fairly decent feel to put a grin in your face with 35's until you want/need more, or you can always go balls out and go Wilwood and god know what else is out there to stop Jeeps on 40's

There are other BBK's maybe a bit cheaper but i'm not into drilled/slotted rotors, nor anything with ceramic pads, If you want something even better than TF, then look into Dynatrac, they have another BBK with even bigger rear rotors. Little more expensive but better quality than Teraflex and comes with pads if you like to buy kits. don't know if it's fully made in USA ? rotors are tough cause most are Made in China.

 

[Josephmykal]

I just ordered some R1 concepts geomet rotors off Amazon for 100$ for all 4. And power stop Z36 pads off Amazon for 90$ total front and rear. For 190$ seemed like a killer deal before I got to a bbk.

 

[sbsyncro]

I just ordered some R1 concepts geomet rotors off Amazon for 100$ for all 4. And power stop Z36 pads off Amazon for 90$ total front and rear. For 190$ seemed like a killer deal before I got to a bbk.

Any chance you can share a link to the rotors? The only ones I see are $269 for the rotors.

Amazon.com: R1 Concepts Front Rear Brake Rotor Kit |Brake Rotors| Brake Disc|fits 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Wrangler JK : Automotive

Buy R1 Concepts Front Rear Brake Rotor Kit |Brake Rotors| Brake Disc|fits 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Wrangler JK: Rotors - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

 

[DBL]

I think you mean that you started with just fronts and eventually added rears too and it would have been cheaper to just all 4 at the same time? Would you mind pointing me to the kit you would have gotten? Thanks!

Nope. I started with the big rotors only at first. Front 4303490 and rear 4304460. I used locally purchased Wagner pads at first. I later then added the dual piston front calipers 4303416 and their pads 4303430. Keep in mind TF doesn't sell a "big" rear caliper, just the fronts. And as a side note, I had to call TF to order just the front calipers as they are not listed on their website individually. Same with the front pads.

It may haven't been a whole lot cheaper (around $150 +/- if I remember correctly) to just by the kit. More importantly though, I wouldn't have had to do things twice up front.

 

[Josephmykal]

Any chance you can share a link to the rotors? The only ones I see are $269 for the rotors.

Amazon.com: R1 Concepts Front Rear Brake Rotor Kit |Brake Rotors| Brake Disc|fits 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Wrangler JK : Automotive

Buy R1 Concepts Front Rear Brake Rotor Kit |Brake Rotors| Brake Disc|fits 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Wrangler JK: Rotors - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

Darn just checked and they shot up in price.

 

[sbsyncro]

Nope. I started with the big rotors only at first. Front 4303490 and rear 4304460. I used locally purchased Wagner pads at first. I later then added the dual piston front calipers 4303416 and their pads 4303430. It may haven't been a whole lot cheaper (around $150 +/- if I remember correctly) to just by the kit. More importantly though, I wouldn't have had to do things twice up front.

Ahh! Gotcha. That makes more sense in my head.

Darn just checked and they shot up in price.

NOW you have me very curious! What is the item number for that 4-rotor set? Is it the same one I linked to?

I do see another full set that includes pads for $174 and it claims to fit the wrangler. But this seems too cheap...

Amazon.com: R1 Concepts Front Rear Brakes and Rotors Kit |Front Rear Brake Pads| Brake Rotors and Pads| Ceramic Brake Pads and Rotors|fits 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Wrangler JK : Automotive

Buy R1 Concepts Front Rear Brakes and Rotors Kit |Front Rear Brake Pads| Brake Rotors and Pads| Ceramic Brake Pads and Rotors|fits 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Wrangler JK: Brake Kits - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

 

[deepbluerubi]

Dynatrac offered a template you can print out to see if the rotors and extended calipers on their brackets will clear your wheels. Semi metallic pads as stated will definitely bite more, especially when cold. They also create more dust and are a bit harsher on rotors. Dynatrac comes with their own proprietary compound pads. I had terrible results with the TF larger rotor kit in the rear. Poor clip fitment and horrible corrosion issues. G2 was much better and as stated both those products, "well the G2 rotors were CN, not sure about their brackets" are from China. One company believes in quality control though. I bought the Mopar BBK "now discontinued as a kit" , very early on, but I believe you can still source the individual parts. Tried the TF rears, absolute junk, then the G2, then when we figured out you can run the Gladiator rear vented/larger rotors, I adopted them. I'm using ceramic pads and it will stop like a lawn dart. The rear pads are no longer wearing twice as fast as the fronts also. So doing it once would have been less expensive, but wasn't initially an option. I have no regrets with my system, oem quality and simplicity, ease of getting parts, and didn't break the bank. I picked up the rear setup with only 1000 miles on them off a 21 Gladiator that went aftermarket. Even sourced new its worth every penny. You can price it out, but I bet you can do it for less than $1500, I'm into it for about $1100-1200. Next step after that would be the Baer setup and you will need at least 18" wheels and drop $5k for just the brake setup. Add another $3K or so for Brembo. Wilwood is not a good choice imo for an off road/ daily driver vehicle, no dust seals and anti rattle clips etc. Good luck.

 

[Josephmykal]

Ahh! Gotcha. That makes more sense in my head.



NOW you have me very curious! What is the item number for that 4-rotor set? Is it the same one I linked to?

I do see another full set that includes pads for $174 and it claims to fit the wrangler. But this seems too cheap...

Amazon.com: R1 Concepts Front Rear Brakes and Rotors Kit |Front Rear Brake Pads| Brake Rotors and Pads| Ceramic Brake Pads and Rotors|fits 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Wrangler JK : Automotive

Buy R1 Concepts Front Rear Brakes and Rotors Kit |Front Rear Brake Pads| Brake Rotors and Pads| Ceramic Brake Pads and Rotors|fits 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Wrangler JK: Brake Kits - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

WDPN2-42019.

 

[jeepers29]

This one?

Crown Automotive RT31058 Front & Rear Big Brake Kit for 07-18 Jeep Wrangler JK

Completely Bolt-On With No Cutting, Welding or Spacers Required. Utilizes the Factory Rear Brake Calipers. Front Rotors are Drilled for a 5 on 5″ Bolt Pattern. Rear Rotors are Drilled for a 5 on 5″ and 5 on 5.5″ Pattern.

www.quadratec.com

Good to hear. I do think that towing obviously puts a bigger demand on the brakes, but I drive pretty conservatively and I've also found the original brakes to be fine with 35's. I run 4.88 gears over a manual transmission and have replaced all my brake lines with braided stainless ones. That did make a big difference

This one. It worked great. I did not find a need to upgrade the rears.

Crown Automotive HD Performance Rear Big Brake Kit

2007-2018 JK Wrangler Rear Big Brake Kit

www.northridge4x4.com

 

[deepbluerubi]

The kit you quoted is an upgraded front and rear kit.

 

[jeepers29]

Sorry, this is the one I used.

https://www.jegs.com/i/Crown+Automotive/077/RT31046/10002/-1?msclkid=78c49c8f011f1734cefff9515aa7e23a&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=WP_US_Bing_Shopping_3P_Products_Standard&utm_term=4581596253369212&utm_content=All%20Products