VANdiana Jones sequel: The Legacy Continues
- Thread starter mk216v
- Start date
sixstringsteve
Explorer
Looks so good. I may have to go that route now. Do you feel like it sticks out a ton in the front? Got any profile shots now that it's done?
Jsweezy
Explorer
Sixstringsteve - I have seen it on MGs rig and we actually talked about it sticking out and we both agreed it stuck out just enough but not too much. I personally like how if you needed to work in the engine compartment for whatever reason it would give you something to stand on. These pictures make it look good but it looks even better in person.
sixstringsteve
Explorer
That is one sexy van
mk216v
Der Chef der Fahrzeuge
Thanks for posting that Josh. At first mock up the ARB was sticking fairly far out(see my earlier pics) on my '07, but I was still ok with it. Once we got the bumper trimmed for the '07 and fitting the way we wanted it, the bumper sucked in a lot more
wings.
I don't think MG's '08+ sticks too far out. Looks like it sticks out less than the Aluminess on the early van(sweet UJOR build BTW!);
wings. I don't think MG's '08+ sticks too far out. Looks like it sticks out less than the Aluminess on the early van(sweet UJOR build BTW!);
mk216v
Der Chef der Fahrzeuge
stormlover
Adventurer
Really nice work on the bumper!
How are the SSBC brakes treating you and what size rotors are you running with them?
How are the SSBC brakes treating you and what size rotors are you running with them?
mk216v
Der Chef der Fahrzeuge
Thanks much!
mk216v
Der Chef der Fahrzeuge
Thanks!
Sadly, I'm not yet. SSBC's customer service is by far the worst in the industry. I've been waiting 4mos for the front 8piston calipers. Was told 2wks, then 3wks more...now another month later and come to find out that they're changing their cast 8pot calipers to forged. Why, I have no idea...not that it's a bad thing. However, I did just have a LF factory caliper hang up on me last weekend(1 of the 2 pistons froze). It manifested itself by the van pulling hard to the right under braking(RF was slowing the truck down more than the LF since the LF didn't have full braking force due to 1 of 2 caliper pistons being stuck). Thankfully I was on the way to MG's for the bumper install vs eastern OR BFE, so it was remedied at MG's(Napa has nicely rebuilt loaded calipers and hardware, comes with a roadside assistance program--ok worth $60 reimbursement, but still, better than nothing).
Will be running the 13D"x1.5T" factory size. Doesn't seem to be a way to easily increase to the later 14" or 14.5" size.
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stormlover
Adventurer
That's too bad, sorry to hear that. I too experienced lame CS from Brakeman (now TBM brakes). Basically no response to phone calls or emails. All I wanted was some 13" rotors. geez.
As for bigger brakes, I'm not sure about the D60 F series axle you probably(?) have but mine is a Dynatrac Prorock60 and I believe I need new steering knuckes and possibly hubs to upgrade to bigger calipers and 14" rotors. The swap also requires an increase in wheel size from 16" to 17". 2008 seems to be when the vans came with bigger brakes but heck Sportsmobile is now installing F550 brakes! Not sure what wheels size that requires but presumably 20"? It's all rather confusing.
However, like you I just replaced my rear barkes with OEM replacement Napa rotors and pads. They're going on a D60 full floater to replace the semi-floater.
F550 brakes will require a 20" wheel, as the F450 and F550 trucks only came with 19.5" wheels from Ford. There are no 16-17" wheel available due simply to weight ratings of axles and load carrying capacity. Obviously this is not an issue in a van, but now you have inhereted their design and must use a 19.5 wheel (tires can't be aired down much due to bead and sidewall construction) or a 20" wheel, which gives you a wider range of tires from which to choose.
Check out Stop-Tech and BAER, I know they have kits for 3/4 ton and 1 ton trucks, but no personal experience with either one.
pulled from a Ford truck forum:
No the 550 uses 15 inch rotors that is the reason for the upgrade. You'll need to find a set of steering knuckles off a 550. Check the junkyards cause ford wants 250 a peice for the knuckles. I'm fixing to do it to my truck. You'll also have to go to a minimum of 19.5 inch wheels to clear the calipers and rotors.
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There is also a suggestion that a 19" or even some 18" wheels may work with the correct offset. Usually you want to add at least 3" to the rotor diameter to ensure adequate caliper to wheel clearance.
Check out Stop-Tech and BAER, I know they have kits for 3/4 ton and 1 ton trucks, but no personal experience with either one.
pulled from a Ford truck forum:
No the 550 uses 15 inch rotors that is the reason for the upgrade. You'll need to find a set of steering knuckles off a 550. Check the junkyards cause ford wants 250 a peice for the knuckles. I'm fixing to do it to my truck. You'll also have to go to a minimum of 19.5 inch wheels to clear the calipers and rotors.
========
There is also a suggestion that a 19" or even some 18" wheels may work with the correct offset. Usually you want to add at least 3" to the rotor diameter to ensure adequate caliper to wheel clearance.
stormlover
Adventurer
I'm not sure if that was a response to my query or not but I'm after the bigger brakes that the vans got from 2009 to 2014. I have a 2005 with a dynatrac front axle. That would up the rotor size to ~14" from 13" give or take and the bigger calipers require a 17 or 18" wheel. I have 16" now which is the max with a 35" tire. I like airing down and having lots of rubber between wheel and the ground. Gives a bit more suppleness to the ride and better for off-roading and conforming to rocks. I wonder if anyone that has 20" wheels even bothers with airing down.
Anyhow, I was wondering if an aftermarket caliper like SSBC makes much of a difference or is the best bang for the buck simply bigger brakes. I suspect the latter, especially with regard to shedding heat.