[Manateu]

I am considering my options on brake upgrades and replacements for my 04 LJ with 33" tires. My next tires will likely be 35"; however, I just replaced my tires in September.

Option 1: I have read many of the post related to the Vanco upgrades; however, most have said it is really only necessary for 35's and larger tires. I am very impressed by the reviews this product has recieved, but the cost is hard to stomach.

Option 2: I am considering drilled and slotted rotors with upgrades pads. Given my 33's only have 8,000 miles on them, which option should I lean towards.

Option 3: I could buy OEM replacements and save for the Vanco upgrade for when I buy 35" tires.

Secondly, the LJ has rear disk breaks. Could I use the same upgrade kit for the rear? (regardless of Vanco or another option)

Correct me if I am wrong, but my options would cost around....

$1500 for Vanco complete set up front and rear and approx. $500 for slotted rotors and pads

[ErikJordan]

why do you want to get the sloted rotors?

[Jerry Bransford]

Save your $$$ on the drilled & slotted rotors, they will not help your Jeep's brake performance in the least unless you are racing and getting the brakes red hot. No kidding, no rumor. Besides, both of those mods just reduce the braking swept area, as well as reducing the mass of the rotor which can counteract any cooling expected by the cross-drilling... which again is only a problem if you race. Recent reviews of various brake pads have given EBC Yellow brake pads a resounding positive review in terms of actual braking performance improvment. I'm running VANCO's front brake upgrade and when my present ceramic pads wear out, which will likely be quite a while since they're not that old, I'll be sure to go with the EBC Yellow pads.

At least I THINK EBC Yellow pads are available for the 2004 LJ's factory front brakes, they are available for a lot of different Jeeps. AND option three, VANCO's brakes are an awesome upgrade for when you get to those 35" tires.

[TheBoogieman]

Option 3

[Manateu]

Originally Posted by NAILER341

why do you want to get the sloted rotors?

It is my impression that slotted rotors dissipate heat, increases bite, reduce the stopping distance, and provide better wet condition stopping power. All of which seem important. My breaking at Badlands left me a little concerned. Based on your question, are there reservation about slotted rotors that I should consider?

[Manateu]

Originally Posted by Jerry Bransford

Save your $$$ on the drilled & slotted rotors, they will not help your Jeep's brake performance in the least unless you are racing and getting the brakes red hot. No kidding, no rumor. Besides, both of those mods just reduce the braking swept area, as well as reducing the mass of the rotor which can counteract any cooling expected by the cross-drilling... which again is only a problem if you race. Recent reviews of various brake pads have given EBC Yellow brake pads a resounding positive review in terms of actual braking performance improvment. I'm running VANCO's front brake upgrade and when my present ceramic pads wear out, which will likely be quite a while since they're not that old, I'll be sure to go with the EBC Yellow pads.

At least I THINK EBC Yellow pads are available for the 2004 LJ's factory front brakes, they are available for a lot of different Jeeps. AND option three, VANCO's brakes are an awesome upgrade for when you get to those 35" tires.

My current rotors can likely be turned, so I assume the best option would be turn my rotors and only upgrade to EBC Yellow brake pads if availible.

[Jerry Bransford]

Yep, turn your rotors and just get some new pads. Let us know how the EBC Yellows if you end up with them.

These look like what we're talking about... http://www.autoaccessoriesgarage.com/cart/prod_page.asp?pid=EBCBDP41255R_14&ClientID=1003&vl ink=

[hunter44102]

I bought drilled and slotted rotors for my 2000 TJ (along with Ceramic pads to reduce brake dust). In my case, I am very happy

I bought them on ebay from Rotorworx, they have a very high rating. Here is a listing:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/JEEP-WRANGLER-00-03-04-05-06-BRAKE-ROTORS-CERAMIC-PADS_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33564QQihZ003QQite mZ130207909462QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

I had regular rotors before (installed by the Jeep dealer), and I had a problem where the brakes would stick if they were wet or not driven in a couple days. It could have been the pads though, not sure what caused that.

With the slotted rotors I haven't noticed any issues with stopping, and I don't have the sticking problem any more. (however, it could be the ceramic pads that did the trick)

[Manateu]

For anyone looking at this tread, here are the brake pads EBC makes for an 04 LJ.

Part # Description
DP71255 EBC 7000 Heavy Duty Green; Disc Pads; Front;
DP61255 EBC Greenstuff Street Sport; Disc Pads; Front;
DP61673 EBC Greenstuff Street Sport; Disc Pads; Rear;
UD712 EBC Ultimax Pad Set; Disc Pads; Front;
UD964 EBC Ultimax Pad Set; Disc Pads; Rear;
DP41255R EBC Yellowstuff High Friction; Disc Pads; Front;

Here is the site for searching for your vehicle:

http://ebcbrakes.iwebcat.com/_Members/lookups/lookup.asp?hdnUK=7749&hdnSts=0

[TJeeper]

Originally Posted by Manateu

Based on your question, are there reservation about slotted rotors that I should consider?

mrblaine had done quite of bit of testing in optimizing the Vanco brake kit. One of the tests was to take a kit with a set of premium cast rotors that worked great, pulled the rotors, put on a set of slotted rotors then broke them in. After allowing the brakes to cool down, took it for a test and found the brakes no longer working as well as they did. In his words, the slotted rotors neutered the brake kit. He went home, put the original rotors back on, and had awesome brakes again.

Do your brakes need replacing? I wouldn't spend a dime on them, they aren't worth it. Save your money and buy the Vanco kit. Seriously, a set of yellow pads will go a long way towards the kit.

The biggest problem with stock brakes is the caliper. It is a single piston caliper that flexes the harder it presses against the rotor. If you have ever changed brake pads you will see the pads worn out more on one side than the other. The Vanco kit replaces the stock calipers with dual piston calipers. These press the pad evenly against the rotor so the whole pad is working to stop the Jeep. And it stops it very quickly.

[mrblaine]

Originally Posted by TJeeper

mrblaine had done quite of bit of testing in optimizing the Vanco brake kit. One of the tests was to take a kit with a set of premium cast rotors that worked great, pulled the rotors, put on a set of slotted rotors then broke them in. After allowing the brakes to cool down, took it for a test and found the brakes no longer working as well as they did. In his words, the slotted rotors neutered the brake kit. He went home, put the original rotors back on, and had awesome brakes again.

Do your brakes need replacing? I wouldn't spend a dime on them, they aren't worth it. Save your money and buy the Vanco kit. Seriously, a set of yellow pads will go a long way towards the kit.

The biggest problem with stock brakes is the caliper. It is a single piston caliper that flexes the harder it presses against the rotor. If you have ever changed brake pads you will see the pads worn out more on one side than the other. The Vanco kit replaces the stock calipers with dual piston calipers. These press the pad evenly against the rotor so the whole pad is working to stop the Jeep. And it stops it very quickly.

Van has been working pretty hard on a solution for the OEM brakes and I think it's pretty close to being done.

The theory is that if you can find a pad and rotor combo that provides enough brake torque before the caliper goes into higher pressure ranges, you might eliminate some of the flex.

There's a few other tricks involved, but it looks promising so far.