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RYNO
Dodge Dakota
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6/09/2004
12:48:38
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 Subject: I converted to '03 front brakes!!!
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Hello all!!
After all the BS to do with our sorry older model single piston caliper/11 inch rotors... I was tired of warping/overheating the brakes all the time...
obviously the factory was tired of hearing complaints also...
In 2003, all Dakota brakes were upgraded to 12 inch rotors (heavy BOSCH BRAND ROTORS!!) and dual piston calipers on a floating bracket (also BOSCH)!!
I decided to be the first that I had heard of to do this swap on my 2002 RC ATLANTIC BLUE 4.7L/5spd 3.92 lsd truck...
HERE is all you need!!!
1. All parts from an '03 or '04 from the spindle>out... in other words... you need..
2. 03 spindles, rotors, calipers... can use stock upper and lower A-arms.. same part and matching ball joints!!!
3. 03-'04 Brake hoses to match new caliper design...
4. that's it!!!
5. Carefully bump ball joints and tie rod ends out (do not use a pickle fork.. it will tear your ball joint boots!!)...
ENJOY GREAT BRAKING FROM NOW ON WITH NO FAILURES!!!
Also, another side benefit is that this design of caliper mount can be adapted-out to allow big 14 inch rotors/hats for an easy big brake conversion for you people with 18inch+ rims..
BTW- I do not think that these stock '03-'04 brakes will clear 15 inch wheels, or may be very tight.. call dealer first and make sure if you are running 15 inch wheels....
This cost me about $400 total after new brake line hoses and new pads (wagner quiet stops)...
It was worth every penny...
GOOD LUCK!!
RYNO
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another mark
Dodge Dakota
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6/09/2004
12:57:52
|  RE: I converted to '03 front brakes!!!
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Message:
$400 total for everything? Are you sure? Calipers, spindles,
rotors and lines, and pads? The price seems REALLY low to me.
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RYNO
Dodge Dakota
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6/09/2004
13:08:33
|  RE: I converted to '03 front brakes!!!
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I got everything from a new wrecking yard in Troy, TX.... for $250... off an '03 with 6K miles on it!!
That is why it was cheap...
The only way to go... J-Yard Baby!!!
get online and check for it...
GOOD LUCK!!
RYNO
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Kowalski
GenIII
6/09/2004
16:50:46
| RE: I converted to '03 front brakes!!!
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Message:
Thanks for the tip - I'll have to keep an eye out for a good deal on some 16" rims now. Someone offered a set with rubber for a couple hundred last year, should have scooped them up.
Lead, follow, or get out of the way
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Kev
Dodge Dakota
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6/09/2004
18:41:02
| RE: I converted to '03 front brakes!!!
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I just swapped my stock 16" rims on my 2001 QC 4x4 for 15" AE589's. They still have the stock rubber on them and the tread is pretty worn, but if you are interested in the rims, send me an email and maybe we can work something out.
--Kevin
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Grayson
Dodge Dakota
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6/09/2004
22:50:25
| RE: I converted to '03 front brakes!!!
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Message:
RYNO, was there any adjusting the computer? How about the master cylinder? Also, where is Troy? I'm in San Antonio.
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Kevin
Dodge Dakota
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6/10/2004
09:45:21
| RE: I converted to '03 front brakes!!!
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Troy is just north of Temple which is north of Austin.
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RYNO
Dodge Dakota
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6/10/2004
10:34:44
| RE: I converted to '03 front brakes!!!
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Message:
I am sorry....
I forgot to mention...
My truck doesn't have front ABS, only rear....
I don't know how easy or what changes would be required for a Dak/Dur with front ABS...
I specifically ordered my truck without front ABS...
I hate ABS B/S....
As for you guys/gals with Front ABS, more investigation might be required before swapping on the '03+ stuff....
I am sorry that I forgot to mention this... I guess I figured that most people didn't have front ABS like me...
RYNO
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Jcreddak
Dodge Dakota
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6/10/2004
10:42:21
|  RE: I converted to '03 front brakes!!!
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Message:
Anyone know if this conversion will work on an '01.
These breaks are pissing me off!!!!
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Ryno
Dodge Dakota
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6/10/2004
11:08:29
| RE: I converted to '03 front brakes!!!
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Message:
I would think so....
I think the brakes have stayed the same since 1997...
As always... call your local Dodge dealer and have them cross-check the upper and lower control arm assembly numbers of your 2001 and a 2003 or 2004 model...
If this is the same, check that the tie rod ends are the same part number, if so, you are good to go...
Just make note, that I can't tell you if it will work or not on FRONT DISC ABS system...
Mine was non-ABS front...
You will be very happy with the conversion if you go through with it...
GOOD LUCK!
RYNO
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jcreddak
Dodge Dakota
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6/10/2004
11:15:16
| RE: I converted to '03 front brakes!!!
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Message:
Thanks man!!
I'll check it out and post findings for all to see.
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Chris
Dodge Dakota
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6/11/2004
02:04:50
| RE: I converted to '03 front brakes!!!
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Keep an eye out for anyone that wants to put a rancho lift on an 03-04 as they will need your spindles and brake setup...
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RYNO
Dodge Dakota
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6/11/2004
10:12:53
| RE: I converted to '03 front brakes!!!
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Message:
GOOD IDEA CHRIS!!!!
I know that I would hate to feel like I was downgrading someone else's vehicle though....
thanks!
RYNO
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Exocet
Dodge Dakota
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6/13/2004
19:58:18
| RE: I converted to '03 front brakes!!!
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Message:
Just because the rotors say Bosch doesn't mean they won't warp. The warped 11" rotors on my 02 QC were stamped Bosch on the back. Granted 12" rotors are better than 11" and may be less prone to warping. I also like the 2 piston caliper. A definite improvement. I would still like to see 4 piston calipers like my old 90 Toyota 4x4 had.
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jk
Dodge Dakota
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6/14/2004
23:36:04
| RE: I converted to '03 front brakes!!!
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the 03 "big brakes" arent what they seems to be.
the front on my 03 RT were warped and scored after 19,000km
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eddy
Dodge Dakota
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6/15/2004
10:56:24
| RE: I converted to '03 front brakes!!!
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Message:
WOulda been better off going aftermarket. I got an 04. My front rotors were making the steering wheel shake violently when breaking at highway speeds, this with 7800 miles.
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RYNO
Dodge Dakota
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6/15/2004
13:12:42
| RE: I converted to '03 front brakes!!!
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Message:
Either way...
The new spindle design at least will allow a bigger rotor upgrade easily because the caliper and brake pads do not rest on cast-in machined forks that limit overall brake rotor diameter and therefore caliper design and placement...
If you have seen the Baer big brake upgrade kits for/to 14inch rotors on Chevy trucks, this 2003+ Dakota has the same caliper/rotor design....
AKA.. at least we will be able to upgrade the '03+ brake to larger rotors.. oh course, limited by our budgets and wheel sizes....
Thanks for the bad news guys....
;-(
But, At least I know it is an upgrade on the spindles/calipers... that was the main thing anyways....
I will hopefully get some 18's in a year or two and be able to go to a 14inch rotor....
Later,
Ryno
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gregdakota
Dodge Dakota
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6/15/2004
14:24:16
| RE: I converted to '03 front brakes!!!
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the 99' dak doesnt have the same brakes as the other years, if you look the 99' have different parts then every other year
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Duncan
Dodge Dakota
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7/06/2011
21:47:32
| RE: I converted to '03 front brakes!!!
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Message:
Crap, the "http://bigdakotabrakes.gotdns.com/brakes.html" link no longer works. Does anybody have these instructions handy to send to me? I'm about to purchase the parts and would like to have Dan's instructions handy. I want to make sure that I receive the correct knuckles, and Dan mentioned the distance between the caliper mounting bolts. Please let me know, thanks.
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