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Jumperalex
Dodge Dakota
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7/14/2004
18:46:09
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 Subject: Brake changes for 2003
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I just came back from Autozone who told me that "they" (meaning aftermarket suppliers) do not yet make pads for the 2003 Dak. I find that hard to believe to start with and I thought the actual brake hardware in the front has stayed the same for the last few years. Though I know they added discs to the rear, I have the only model that didn't get that; 2wd RC.
So the question is: will the brake pads from previous year dakotas work on a 2003 or did they change the front caliper design?
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Chris
Dodge Dakota
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7/14/2004
23:54:39
| RE: Brake changes for 2003
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the pads from 02 down wont work.
The spindle and caliper did change in 03
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Ya
Dodge Dakota
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7/15/2004
00:04:16
| RE: Brake changes for 2003
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they make em for 03`s go online or someplace where the help has their head out of their butt.
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Jumperalex
Dodge Dakota
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7/15/2004
14:23:41
| RE: Brake changes for 2003
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Yeah this is what I'm learning. And I did search online. Hawk does makes them for the 03 but Tirerack does not list them. Performance Friction does not make them. Raybestos does not make them.
This brings me though to my next question. so far I've been pretty happy with the brakes but only because my experience with trucks is limited to driving really crappy old ones that make these brakes seem decent enough. I have towed about 2000lb with the truck and so far they feel strong enough. But I'm about to make a move and will be loading up to nearly the max capacity. Trailer brakes are not an option right now (more so since it is rare I will pull this much weight with it).
My question do you folks consider the new front brakes a considerable improvement over the old stuff? Realize I have a 2wd RC which has drum rears. So comments that the new 4-disc brake set-up is better means nothing. I haven't seen the old front brake calipers so I can't make my own comparison and am looking for some impressions from you folks.
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deerridge
GenIII
7/16/2004
14:00:49
| RE: Brake changes for 2003
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Message:
Don't pull over 2000 lbs without trailer brakes, period. On a curve a trailer can take you right off the road real fast if it has significant weight without brakes no matter how good they are on the truck. I pulled a new horsetrailer (3500# empty) back from the dealer with a Silverado weighing 5800 lbs without the trailer brakes and it nearly pushed me off the road going around a sharp curve while braking at only 30mph. A light truck like a Dakota would compound the problem too. You can get a brake controller for under a $100. That's alot cheaper than a new truck or being dead.
Real Horsepower
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jumperalex
Dodge Dakota
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7/16/2004
17:25:40
| RE: Brake changes for 2003
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A little OT but advice is always welcome. Of course it isn't the $100 for the controller that is the issue, but the fact that my trailer does not have brakes on it and even doing it myself it isn't cheap (nor do I quite have the time) to install the brakes. But maybe I'll look harder into it.
And I've already towed with that trailer and at least 2500lb because the trailer is 1400 and I had two motorcycles plus all my gear. No problem, and that was with some nice southwest down hill curves.
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deerridge
GenIII
7/17/2004
10:31:49
| RE: Brake changes for 2003
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That's not all that heavy. Be carefull though. It happens real fast. I picked up a 16' flat bed this spring with trailer brakes for $500. I personally wouldn't have a trailer without them.
Real Horsepower
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Jumperalex
Dodge Dakota
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7/17/2004
13:18:02
| RE: Brake changes for 2003
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Yeah this is a 6x10 enclosed with a 3500# torsion axle. I can tell you this, the wind resistance alone with my Dak is almost a trailer brake in and of itself ... on a 6% grade it is not uncommon to have to lightly hold the gas just to kepe up speed :O
I did some searching and it looks like I can do the ENTIRE set-up (brakes, hub/drums, break-away, controller, plugs, wires for about $300-$350 and then install it myself. Still a good chunk of change as I need the cash for other aspects of my move (like a house downpayment) but maybe I'll get it done.
But the trailer will be loaded to about 3000-3200# with about another 500# in the back of the truck (3 large dogs and a a little bit of luggage). Based on past experience I just don't see it being a problem this one trip vs doing it all the time.
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Kowalski
GenIII
7/18/2004
07:45:13
|  RE: Brake changes for 2003
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Message:
You'll see the problem the first time you need to stop quickly with that load. How far you are hauling it won't determine when you'll need it. Good luck.
Lead, follow, or get out of the way
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