Recently I picked up a 2001 RCSB 2wd 1500 with the 4.3 5 speed combo. The eventual goal is to drop in a 5.3, and a better transmission and have some fun with it.

It has stock brakes, with high miles on them. Pulsation while breaking, softer pedal, crispy calipers, thin pads, original 15 year old rubber hoses, and original, and starting to rust hard lines.

The list of parts I picked up:

GM factory coated hard line set (direct from the dealer)
Goodridge braided stainless soft lines
2001 Tahoe dual piston rear calipers and brackets
2001 Tahoe 330mm (12.99") rear rotors
2001 Tahoe ceramic rear pads
2001 1500 front calipers
2001 1500 ceramic pads
2001 1500 front rotors

I am waiting for the rear pads and rotors to arrive, and when they do I will start the project, and update the post.

I am looking forward to having some solid brakes. I also plan on doing a hydroboost system in the future to further improve the brakes, as well as gain some engine compartment room for future upgrades.

I did take the time to paint all the calipers with caliper paint, and the brackets as well. Its not a show truck, but they are all new, and I have them off, so not really any better time to make it look a little better, and its also a good way to keep them looking decent.

Stay tuned for pics, and progress updates.

 

I just did the 05+ front brake upgrade to my 2004. Holy cow is it an improvement. It nets
you a 13" front rotor and a vastly improved pedal feel. I dont know for sure about your 2wd as mine is 4wd but for me it was a simple bolt on.

 

It probably is, But I want to run 16" wheels so doing the 05+ front upgrade is not an option for me. Some day I may change my mind, but it will definitely be after the hydroboost upgrade.

 

Don't forget the proportioning valve.

 

About to do the same upgrade to my 2001, on the fence about doing the SUV rear calipers/rotors though.

 

My truck is already 4 wheel disc, it just has single piston rear calipers and 325mm rotors. I shouldn't need a different prop valve, and doesn't the ABS module work as the prop valve any way?

 

If the rears over power the fronts, I will upgrade the front pads to a more aggressive pad. Like a hawk, or EBC to make up for the difference

 

You don't need a Proportioning valve. The master cylinder is already set up for disc/disc combo.

The 05 up front brakes make a dramatic difference.

If you have a lousy pedal feel, The automated bleed procedure can fix that. You don't have to go to GM, alot of newer scan tools with Bi-directional controls can perform this procedure.

Despite some peoples misguided attempts, Activating the abs on a gravel road is not the same thing and well not correct pedal feel.

 

I've been down this road:

Best mods in terms of braking performance:
#1) Hydroboost
#2) Automated ABS bleed and SS braided lines
#3) 05 Front brakes (currently have Raybestos Tahoe PPV semi-metallic pads)

My rear brakes are 11" fronts off a 1990 reg cab

 

Hydro boost will probably go in when I do the engine swap, If I decide to keep the power steering. I may go manual steering.