I have a 2003 1500 4wd extended cab short bed. I need to do new front brakes and would like to upgrade them on a budget. Right now they are stock 12in rotors. The truck does not have a tow package and has rear discs.

I remember doing brakes on my brothers 05 1500 that had the tow package and rear drums. His front rotors were 13in and larger dual piston calipers.

What parts do I need to order to swap to the larger, 05+ brakes? I figure the 13in rotors, calipers, pads, and caliper brackets. Will the brackets bolt up to the stock knuckle? Are these brakes considered the 7000 gvw or the 9900? Would this be a JF7 brake package?

Basically, I've been cruising rockauto and they have multiple choices, I'm just trying to figure out what parts to order exactly and whether or not they will bolt up to the stock knuckle.

 

Yes, you are figuring right. And yes.

Its a worthwhile upgrade.. Ebay can have good deals on these as well. I wouldn't worry about the particular package though.

 

Swap in hydroboost while you are at it. I did the swap for under $200.

 

The guys who swap to hydroboost love it, and as Atomic mentioned, it's not as expensive as it used to be.

 

You could do as planned and install the larger front rotors/calipers/caliper brackets as installed on the ’05 and up models equipped with rear drums. The rear dual piston calipers/330mm rotors/matching caliper brackets from a SUV, SS or Denali. Swap over to Hydroboost and top it off with braided lines, good pads and have the best possible set-up that would be available using mostly factory parts.

 

Thanks guys. I figure I can do the front brake upgrade for $300 or so. I'm doing front wheel bearings and knuckles so why not do it all at once. May do brake lines while I am in there and then later down the road I'll do the rears. This truck will be my weekend tow rig sooner or later.

 

One last question...I just want to verify the front 13in discs off a 05 silverado w/ rear drums will bolt up to my stock knuckle?

 

It is a direct bolt on, yes. Just don't forget that those bigger brakes require bigger wheels - 17" plus to be exact. I'd like to do this swap, too, but also wonder about the spare tire. Changing a front flat would suck if you had to swap a rear tire to the front first.

 

Thats a good point Snappy...I do have 17in 05+ wheels on it so that should not be a problem, but the spare is the stock 16in, may need to find another 17in.

 

Yea, I'd like to get some bigger brakes myself, but still run 16's in the winter...when I can make my current 20's my winter wheel and get some Centerlines as my summer shoes, I'd like to do the complete SSBC 14" front and rear brake upgrade, with their 6 piston? calipers too....but it will be a pricey swap.