GMCMI newsletter 64, discusses the Performance Friction carbon metallic
pads (0524 and 6144 oversized) as providing improved braking for our
GMCs. Any one have a negative experience with these?
Phil: I have the performance friction front pads on both my GMC and my old
Dodge Power Wagon 4 x 4. I sought them out for the 4 x 4 because I was
having a serious brake fade problem. I have an old log house that I'm
restoring fairly high up in the mountains outside Vancouver. When I head
back down to the coast, I go straight down 3 miles of twisty hill road. I
felt in danger a couple of times when nearing the bottom of the hill in
that I had virtually no braking capacity. As the truck is an automatic I
don't have the safety factor of bull low gear. As I understand it, the
carbon metallic brake pads are much better at gripping the rotors as they
heat up. My experience? My brake fade problem has disappeared.
This is why I feel very comfortable with the JA braking on my GMC. There
has been a lot of discussion about the benefits of six wheel disc brakes on
the GMC. One of the main benefits sited is the disappearance of brake fade.
However, with the carbon metallic pads, I have not found this to be an
issue. They are on the front with oversize calipers. My understanding (and
people should correct me if I'm mistaken) is that the asbestos drum brakes
on the rear give me better braking power when the drums/rotors are cold
than disk brakes would. Now don't get me wrong. I would certainly consider
switching to disk brakes all around if the cost was significantly reduced
and I had a clear sense that my brakes would be improved. But given what is
on the market now, I don't see the cost benefit gain over what I have now.
Also, I'm sure that my present setup can lock up the wheels without having
to use both feet on the pedal.
For you fellow Canadians reading this, I believe MIDAS sells the
Performance Friction pads but I'm told that they not of the same quality
and standard as the pads sold in the US under the Performance Friction
brand name.
I bought mine from Eaton GMC in Colorado. You can be sure that you will get
the correct pads from him.
Vic Marks
Vancouver, BC
75 transmode
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 21 Oct 1999 06:18:28 -0700
From: "Mike Finnicum"
Subject: RE: GMC: Towing capacity by the book (Depends on year)
Rick
In my searching for a toad, I could find nothing (with 4 wheels) under
2000 - but got close with the Samurai at 2080.
Lately we have been looking at Saturns - at 2400 lbs they seem
to offer the most car for the weight in my opinion.
I have seen people pulling old VW bugs - not sure of weight.
FYI
Mike F
All "Winterized" in
Naples, FL
- -----Original Message-----
From: owner-gmcmotorhome
[mailto
wner-gmcmotorhome]On Behalf Of
RickStapls
Sent: Wednesday, October 20, 1999 6:35 PM
To: gmcmotorhome
Subject: Re: GMC: Towing capacity by the book (Depnds on year)
> in the 1973 it allows for 2000
> lbs as the MAXIMUM.
Mike,
Thanks for the info. I think I'll stay under 2,000 lbs for a toad when I
do it.
Rick Staples
'75 Eleganza
Louisville, CO
pads (0524 and 6144 oversized) as providing improved braking for our
GMCs. Any one have a negative experience with these?
Phil: I have the performance friction front pads on both my GMC and my old
Dodge Power Wagon 4 x 4. I sought them out for the 4 x 4 because I was
having a serious brake fade problem. I have an old log house that I'm
restoring fairly high up in the mountains outside Vancouver. When I head
back down to the coast, I go straight down 3 miles of twisty hill road. I
felt in danger a couple of times when nearing the bottom of the hill in
that I had virtually no braking capacity. As the truck is an automatic I
don't have the safety factor of bull low gear. As I understand it, the
carbon metallic brake pads are much better at gripping the rotors as they
heat up. My experience? My brake fade problem has disappeared.
This is why I feel very comfortable with the JA braking on my GMC. There
has been a lot of discussion about the benefits of six wheel disc brakes on
the GMC. One of the main benefits sited is the disappearance of brake fade.
However, with the carbon metallic pads, I have not found this to be an
issue. They are on the front with oversize calipers. My understanding (and
people should correct me if I'm mistaken) is that the asbestos drum brakes
on the rear give me better braking power when the drums/rotors are cold
than disk brakes would. Now don't get me wrong. I would certainly consider
switching to disk brakes all around if the cost was significantly reduced
and I had a clear sense that my brakes would be improved. But given what is
on the market now, I don't see the cost benefit gain over what I have now.
Also, I'm sure that my present setup can lock up the wheels without having
to use both feet on the pedal.
For you fellow Canadians reading this, I believe MIDAS sells the
Performance Friction pads but I'm told that they not of the same quality
and standard as the pads sold in the US under the Performance Friction
brand name.
I bought mine from Eaton GMC in Colorado. You can be sure that you will get
the correct pads from him.
Vic Marks
Vancouver, BC
75 transmode
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 21 Oct 1999 06:18:28 -0700
From: "Mike Finnicum"
Subject: RE: GMC: Towing capacity by the book (Depends on year)
Rick
In my searching for a toad, I could find nothing (with 4 wheels) under
2000 - but got close with the Samurai at 2080.
Lately we have been looking at Saturns - at 2400 lbs they seem
to offer the most car for the weight in my opinion.
I have seen people pulling old VW bugs - not sure of weight.
FYI
Mike F
All "Winterized" in
Naples, FL
- -----Original Message-----
From: owner-gmcmotorhome
[mailto
wner-gmcmotorhome]On Behalf OfRickStapls
Sent: Wednesday, October 20, 1999 6:35 PM
To: gmcmotorhome
Subject: Re: GMC: Towing capacity by the book (Depnds on year)
> in the 1973 it allows for 2000
> lbs as the MAXIMUM.
Mike,
Thanks for the info. I think I'll stay under 2,000 lbs for a toad when I
do it.
Rick Staples
'75 Eleganza
Louisville, CO
