Got through some first drive impressions yesterday. All my sentiments are positive. For context, I got the front caliper kit, which includes the XT910 pads that Warren referenced, but reuses the OE rotors. I only have 16k miles on my rig, so I didn't want to replace the OE rotors unnecessarily.
Install: It took about 3 low stress hours to install, very casually, including removing all wheels, flushing the brake fluid on all 4 corners (with Motul RBF-600), etc.
Bedding: Instructions for bedding the pads are included and were fairly easy to do safely. 6-8 brakings from 35 to 25mph + 3-4 brakings from 55 to 40mph + 10-15 minutes cool down, which I did by coasting on the highway to pick my buddy up from the airport.
Actual usage: My main intent was to improve the brake feel, as I felt the OE brakes were not confidence inspiring at all. That goal was absolutely achieved with just the front caliper replacement. The pedal is significantly firmer and it's easier to modulate the brakes, which results in a better handling car, since I can have more precise control of the brakes when going into a turn (some context: I drive road courses like Watkins Glen, VIR, Summit Point in a 911 GT3 with AP Racing calipers, so I really,
really like using my brakes to load up the front to turn in [not just to stop]). In highway driving, I felt more confident driving at higher speeds and when going onto ramps, I felt comfortable approaching with more speed than usual, knowing I could shed the speed before the turn began. Framed differently, if the truck had came this way, no one would be complaining about the brakes. Also, the balance of the car is still 100%, which I assume is a factor of the strategic piston area that this setup was designed to have. Conversely, in my JL Wrangler (with a Magnuson Supercharger), I have 6 piston Baer front calipers w/ OE rear calipers, and while they do their job, there is absolutely a ton more front brake bias than the car came with. I've altered my driving habits to adapt to that, so no big deal, but it's nice having the OE balance with this RacingBrake kit, especially considering I do intend to tow and use this truck for other utility. Value wise, the front caliper upgrade feels like a no brainer to me. Framed differently, if it was offered as a factory option for the MSRP of this upgrade, I think nearly everyone would tick the box.
I don't really intend to do any 70 to 0 stops or equivalent, as that's simply not how I use this truck, but I'm glad to help answer any subjective questions if I can be helpful in that way.
Looks: They look great! The factory beadlock wheels cover up the bulk of the caliper, so it's more a subtle thing.
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-Anu
PS: I installed a rear sway bar at the same time as these brakes, which made a very significant improvement in on-road handling. With the brakes + sway bar, it's like this car got some upgraded handling option that should have been offered from the factory.
Thank you to Warren and
@Psifer for getting this GB going. I'm very happy to have taken part in it.
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