Topic: need stronger brakes...

[MyBigToy]

I think the addition of the hydroboost system could make the ole girl exceptional! Would a factory set up from lets say an 05 work on our 02? I haven't done that much research.

I've done quite a bit of research on it and yes, a factory Av setup should work fine. You need the brake pedal in addition to the hydroboost and you have to tap into the power steering pump lines unless you also get the hydroboost power steering pump. You have to tweak the firewall slightly to get the new setup to fit exactly. From my research, the bolt pattern on the hydroboost master cylinder is a little different than the one on the 02s.

[waz]

I don't know if it will help but, I can add a my $0.02.

There are two vehicles in my yard that have the GM hydro-boost system. My '04 AV and my fathers '02 1500HD Silverado. I don't know if they have the same bolt patterns on the firewall or not. It might be worth me taking a look. If the '02 is different then the '04, you might just avoid the firewall tweaking.

Where should I look for this slight difference?

[Fowlhunter]

I've done quite a bit of research on it and yes, a factory Av setup should work fine. You need the brake pedal in addition to the hydroboost and you have to tap into the power steering pump lines unless you also get the hydroboost power steering pump. You have to tweak the firewall slightly to get the new setup to fit exactly. From my research, the bolt pattern on the hydroboost master cylinder is a little different than the one on the 02s.

The tweak on the firewall is to drill another hole a little lower and to the left or the right, I did read a little in regards to this. I think there were two different units, one with the assist and one without? I already have a brand new power steering pump in the basement that I need to put in so I would just tee the line in.

[russiankid]

The key to really good brakes is how much braking power can they apply without locking up.  Larger diameter rotors and good pads come into play in making this happen.

We can always install larger brakes, however, their comes the question of custom bracketry for the calipers, and you would also have to install a different proportioning valve. I come from the BMW world, where I had 12" rotors all the way around and if you slam the brakes the seat belt rams into your chest. The AV compared to my BMW doesn't have any brakes. 

[Main One]

We can always install larger brakes, however, their comes the question of custom bracketry for the calipers, and you would also have to install a different proportioning valve. I come from the BMW world, where I had 12" rotors all the way around and if you slam the brakes the seat belt rams into your chest. The AV compared to my BMW doesn't have any brakes. 

Hence why folks in this thread have been installing larger diameter rotors from later model GM trucks - the bracketry is solved for them by GM.

As far as a proportioning valve, dialing in what is needed there has largely been eliminated by the anti-lock brake system.  Prior to anti-lock brakes, pickup trucks braked horribly because the proportioning valve setup was really a compromise between what was needed for an unloaded bed and one loaded to the truck's fully-rated load capacity.

[russiankid]

I just ordered a set of Powerstop cross drilled and slotted rotors with Evolution pads for 160 shipped. Don't have the money right now to do the upgraded front brakes, my main issue is that I cooked whatever brakes are on their now from the previous owner going down a mountain.

[lanche]

when doing the gmt900 brake upgrade do the factory brake hoses fit the bigger calipers?

[AvalancheAviator]

when doing the gmt900 brake upgrade do the factory brake hoses fit the bigger calipers?

Yep! They sure do! Just make sure you get new banjo bolts. They're not included with the new calipers.

Edit: Since you'll be that deep into the job, why not go with new flex lines? They weren't that expensive when I did mine. Plus, you won't have to worry about ripping everything apart twice, if an old line pops...

 

[lanche]

thank you

[lanche]

happy fathers day everyone!!! onemore question. is there a special banjo bolt i need? (04 or 07). my av is a 04 and i bought the 07 tahoe front brake set up. thank you.                                                                                                                                                                                                                        YA JR 88!!!!!!!!!!!!!