I have a 1999 Chevy Express 1500 5.7L conversion van that I take on tour with my band. We tow a 4x8 trailer for our equipment. The trailer is so small that it does not have brakes. I am not very happy with the performance of the brakes when trying to stop quickly. I want to find out if anyone has done a front brake conversion with bigger rotors and calipers. Any information is appreciated!

 

firstly, are your brakes in good shape. Drums adjusted, rotors in good shape. Using quality pads?
I towed my boat with my 2002 3/4 ton, and it stopped fine. However, you need to gear down on hills to reduce brake fade on long slopes....

 

check all your pads and shoes. If anyone of them is worn way more than the others you might need to bleed them or see if they are sticking.

 

I always downshift when driving down mountains and other large hills. That is something I try to teach my friends because most people have no idea about that concept. Yes the front brake pads and rotors are in great shape and I just adjusted the rear drum brakes to make sure they are working properly. I am a mechanic and work on mostly diesel trucks, but brakes are very easy for me. What I am asking is has anyone put bigger brakes on one of these vans? Im sure I am not the first one to feel the need for better brakes.

 

These look interesting.The Z36.
1999 CHEVROLET EXPRESS 1500 5.7L V8 Caliper, Rotor & Brake Pad Kit | RockAuto
More Information for POWER STOP KC199036

 

That may be exactly what I need. I was thinking about drilled and slotted rotors, but really wanted a caliper upgrade as well. I might have to give these a shot! Thanks.

 

I think the 2500 series has larger diameter rotors and drums. Maybe thats why I had no issues with my last truck.