I would first like to thank those that assisted with the ecm swap I did. It appears I'll have to live withat damned wait to start light on. Like the improvement in power though.
Is anyone out there aware of a set of after market rotors for a 97 1500 series truck that don't warp in "normal use"? Please let me know.
You can be damn sure the dmax I hope to get will have an engine brake.
Thanks

When it comes to rotors, you defiinetely get what you pay for. In other words, the $20 rotors are probably going to warp...quickly..
Look for either USA made or Canada...

I upgraded to power stop drilled rotors and carbon pads, I got from JC Whitney $99 per rotor IIRC 2 years ago, so far so good carbon pads seem to not last as long but do stop better than stock and no warpage seen /felt.

I also added stainless lines from there, search around the web, I think drilled & slotted are aslo available which should maybe better than drilled alone, more stuff for the K1500s than the HD, but those have better brakes from the get go anyway bigger shoes for a start. I have also heard that a late 80's booster from a K30 truck can help with more braking power. I haven't looked into that yet, I'm thinking of a upgrade to better calipers fwd, and disks for the rear vs drums.

I have been trying forever to get bigger/better calipers for the front and can't seem to find any. I have also heard the same thing about the made in USA versus foriegn stuff. Keep us updated if you change things Turbine Doc

I've had the power stop drilled rotors on my K2500 for a couple years now. IIRC, I got them from Summit for $99.00 a side. I used the Performance Friction Carbon Metallic brakes from Autozone with the lifetime warranty.

I am on my 3rd pair of pads and the rotors are starting to show strong signs of wear. The holes do gunk up over time so I doubt there is any real advantage to drilled rotors. Power Stop does recommend a specific pad so that may also be the issue (I already had the lifetime pad license, so I wasn't going to change pads now). I may go with the slotted rotors next time or some quality solid rotors.

As for caliper upgrades, I am very surprised that no one has developed a bolt on 4- piston caliper upgrade (at least for the K2500). I remember somewhere that a kit was developed using a Ford 4-piston caliper and a properly sized master cylinder, but I couldn't find such a kit. There has to be an OEM quality caliper, say from a Corvette or Cadillac that would bolt into place with an adapter. Or, use a Wilwood or other high-performance caliper and bracket on stock rotors. Provide a floating rotor for the stage II option.

I have several projects on my plate right now, including a dead A/C, transmission fluid change, oil cooler and line upgrade, slight surface rust, and perhaps tires. But, I did complete a little ground work on a future brake upgrade. Ideally, I would like to swap out the rear drums for disks, upgrade the front calipers, add ss lines and a properly sized master cylinder.

Some have said that the easiest option to convert to rear disk brakes is to swap out the entire axle with a newer disk brake equipped unit. Other options for the 14ff axle include Cadillac Eldorado calipers w/ebrakes, mounting brackets and hardware. Brackets run about $100 and usually include all of the hardware. Spacers will be required if your 14ff has the drums you can pull off. I've seen the calipers for as high as $300.

I know there are a lot of good brake upgrades for the 1500. For example, this kit from Stillen.com looks like a great setup. Costs a lot, however.
http://www.stillen.com/product_images/AP4800.jpg

I'm using Power Slot rotors with Hawk Superduty pads. About 50k miles on them and I'd never go back.

Make sure whoever works on your truck NEVER uses an air impact wrench on the wheel lugs. Anyone who argues this doesn't belong working on your truck.

I have moved this to the Drivetrain section and out of the 6.5 engine section. Thanks