TowRig.com - Diesel Discussion and Tow Tech

I am wondering if it is possible to use existing brake rotor and hardware ( caliper brackets and related parts ) off of the 2003 and up Dodge truck's on a 2002 and down truck.
I know the bolt pattern is still 8 on 6.5" but what I am wondering is can I use the front brake parts off of the new AAM axle on my Dana 60 ? Now before anyone answers with "they are different makes, models and parts " the last few years of front Dodge Dana 60's used different knuckles - ball joints and such and I *think* the new AAM axle uses the same parts.
I just want to know if anyone has already done some home work on putting 14" rotors on their Dana front axle in a 1994~2002 HD 4x4 Dodge?
Thanks in advance , Tom

Whats wrong? Stock brakes aren't big enough for you? How much better really are the 3rd gen brakes? What size do we have?

I have not been in a situation that I have "needed" larger ( more effective ) brakes but I believe that having more brake power than needed is a good thing. My brakes have proved very satisfactory and lasted way longer than I expected - the only reason I started to think about upgrades is when replacement time comes I just want to know all of my options.
What gave me the thought was I am thinking about buying a set of newer factory Ram truck 17" rims when it is tire replacement time. Dodge had to go to a 17" rim to clear the 14" rotors on the 2003 and up trucks ( the 2nd Gen trucks have rotors close to 13" ).
Just thoughts running through my head if I come across a screaming deal while bone yard hunting and I thougt it would make a good thread on our fairly young board while adding to the group discussions.
I want to keep the 35" tall tires on my truck but I don't want to loose towing ability so I figure if I can make factory parts work and increase 1" in rotor diameter while adding a shorter side wall tire I will be heading in the right direction. waytogo
Tom

Very interesting. I was actually thinking about this today, about that the stock rims probably wouldn't fit. I don't know what will fit from what years...yada yada (I'm a big help...) :D

Do you think the stock calipers could be used with the larger rotors or would the newer calipers also have to be used? I forgot that you have 35's, I would think the 1" extra brake would help bring braking perfromance back to stock, or a maybe just a little better..??..

I have not done enough home work yet to know about the differences in the calipers but I'm sure that the caliper brackets are shorter on my truck. I am going to have to do some serious comparing of knuckle on out parts to see what will interchange. If anyone has any pics of 2003 on up 4x4 front calipers/rotors please post up - it will save some time and effort if the parts are apples and oranges. Thanks !
Tom

Tom~
Save yourself some heartach, call:

Sam Petersen (The Brake Guy)
Olympia, WA.
360-357-4958

I'm interested too although do not have a pressing need at this time (recent Hawk pads up front). I thought I saw an article about a swap of the '03+ brakes back to the Gen 2 but haven't found it yet. I'll keep looking ...

Any recommendations for rear pads (Hawk doesn't make rears)?