1997 K3500 4X4 Dually Front Brakes Questions!

wirlybird · Sunday at 5:22 PM

HI all,
Time for front brakes on the 1997 K3500 4X4 Dually.

Going to need rotors so looking for suggestions on a good general service rotor.
Also pads and maybe good to change calipers as they are original.

I don't think I need anything special as I don't use the truck a lot and generally pull an 18 foot trailer (with brakes) with 3000Lbs tractor.
Tractor and trailer probably no more than 5000Lbs.

Also, looks like changing the rotors is a bit involved on this one. Comments from anyone who has done this?

Thanks for advice on parts.

Caman96 · Sunday at 5:29 PM

Raysbestos Element3 pads.

Schurkey · Monday at 1:01 AM

Post 32 and onward. Mine was a JD7 brake system, you've almost certainly got JD8 (w/Dual rear wheel.) So your rotors are different from mine. Same diameter, but thicker. Same or similar replacement procedure.

www.gmt400.com/threads/4wd-hub-replacement.120/page-4

4wd Hub Replacement

I realize this is a super old question, but it's a sticky and I needed to know this info too. So here is the GM part number for the bolts. The were $7/ea at my local Chevy dealer, which is cheaper than any website I could find (with shipping). GM Part no. 15995614 Works for 6-lug hubs. Not...

www.gmt400.com

df2x4 · Tuesday at 12:33 AM

X2 for Raybestos Element3 pads, they're the most aggressively rated street pads for these trucks that I'm aware of.

Rotors I would source locally and have them checked before installation so you can return them with no hassles if necessary. The last few times I tried buying rotors online they showed up warped, big PITA.

I used PowerStop reman calipers on my red truck (the powder coated ones) and they've been great so far.

blancohippo · Tuesday at 12:51 AM

i went drilled and slotted for mine with ceramic pads but never got to put them on...got new calipers too and now they all just collect dust sitting in the cab of it...lol

wirlybird · Tuesday at 10:38 AM

df2x4 said:
X2 for Raybestos Element3 pads, they're the most aggressively rated street pads for these trucks that I'm aware of.

Rotors I would source locally and have them checked before installation so you can return them with no hassles if necessary. The last few times I tried buying rotors online they showed up warped, big PITA.

I used PowerStop reman calipers on my red truck (the powder coated ones) and they've been great so far.

Very good point on the rotors.

454cid · Tuesday at 10:49 AM

I bought Raybestos R-line rotors, and have been happy with them. Now, I'd look for a coated rotor.

Buy some new hub bolts to have on hand. You'll need 4 for each side. I'm not sure if GM still has them available, but Dorman has them.

wirlybird · Tuesday at 11:01 AM

Ok, guy! Looking at some videos for front rotor removal on my '97 K3500 4X4 dually it seems that it is a pretty easy job.
I only find videos for a 2003 but the setup looks like mine.
Is it really this easy to just unbolt the outer "hub" that the rim bolts to from the rotor/hub assembly, remove caliper and bracket and slide the rotor off?
Here is a picture of what mine looks like. The picture is of a 2003 a guy is doing on YouTube. Mine looks exactly the same.

You must be registered for see images attach

Caman96 · Tuesday at 11:01 AM

df2x4 said:
I used PowerStop reman calipers on my red truck (the powder coated ones) and they've been great so far.

I was thinking about them, but am also considering NEW Raysbestos Element3 calipers.

KansasOBS · Tuesday at 11:18 AM

wirlybird said:
Ok, guy! Looking at some videos for front rotor removal on my '97 K3500 4X4 dually it seems that it is a pretty easy job.
I only find videos for a 2003 but the setup looks like mine.
Is it really this easy to just unbolt the outer "hub" that the rim bolts to from the rotor/hub assembly, remove caliper and bracket and slide the rotor off?
Here is a picture of what mine looks like. The picture is of a 2003 a guy is doing on YouTube. Mine looks exactly the same.

You must be registered for see images attach

Pretty sure you have to press the studs out, but admittedly I'm writing this after days of little sleep, and have completely forgot what mine looked like after replacing them with 2004 NBS knuckles, and rotors.

Id consider the brake pad material to be more important than the name on the box. Semi metallic are going to get you the best grab, but more wear.

1997 K3500 4X4 Dually Front Brakes Questions!

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