The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Review: Kevlar Brakes

As I built the flat bed for my truck, the local steel guy got me pumped up to make my 9x6 deck out of 3/16s thick diamond plate. However, I found when I got home I could hardly move the plates! I started to think about it and decided I really didn't want an extra 600 lbs that the sheets weighed, nevermind the $440 that they cost. Took em back and made a wood bed instead (on steel 2x2s 16 inches apart). While driving though with the plates I noticed the clutch was a bit rough starting out in 2nd (i have the granny 1st 4 speed) and the brakes didn't feel so good.

I had adjusted out my brakes RONG and redid the process following the shop guide for major brake adjustment.

long story short: I bought the www.praisedynobrake.com semi-kevlar brake shoes awhile back for my fronts and now could finally test them. They work great. The truck stops like it has disc brakes. If you are concerned about your brakes and considering discs, you might check these brakes out. I use about 1" of brake travel to stop the unloaded truck. That leaves a lot of brake travel. I jumped on the brakes today and got the rears to prematurely lock up. (no abs ) I think with a load on there to hold em down, it would have stopped even better.

I also have a ECI 7" powerboosted dual master (the early vette's used the same size master cylinder bore as the 1 ton truck) so it doesn't need a huge foot on em to stop. I also replaced all the brake lines.

Your results my vary, but I will tell you, my brakes work way better than I had expected. The brake shoes are pricey, but I am glad I spent the $.

Man I've been waiting for months to find out how they work. THX!

I've been seriously considering them as well. But just to clarify, you installed them on the front only, or both front and rear? Did you use their linings (drums) or the stock drums? Very curious, thanks, Tony

How much does it cost for a set of shoes per axle (2 pairs)?

Splash, after reviewing the website above, I am not sure they can be bought for one axle. The "Stage 1" kit that does both axles and includes the better springs and hardware starts at $225.00. According to them, the cryogenically treated semi kevlar dissipates heat much more rapidly. But I am still not to sure how that relates to the wear factor on the stock drums. This has peaked my interest, and I will call them when I get some time on Tuesday morning to get their take on it. But would still like to hear more from the "real" world.

Sorry to take so long to reply - updated my computer - successfully!

Anyhoo - they don't fade - at least they haven't yet, and I did NOT change the drums as finding them for the 1 ton is a PITR. Plus I was tired of spending dough on em.

My truck came with 5.26 gears, and I thought I might be changing the whole mess out (fortunately got some 4.11 gears from a maniacal old truck nerd) so I didn't pop for the rear brake shoes.

I only bought the shoes and you can do the same, or get the hardware at local shops - again it was an issue finding one ton stuff.

My primary concern was to make the brakes good to use in modern traffic, without loosing the load capability of my straight axle. I considered many options but just swapping a couple of brake pads was certainly the easiest one.

You can't get stuff relined from them, its a gov site, and they can only send out new stuff.

If I think of anything else to add, I will!

So far, very pleased. I am betting they cut the drums way less, and I also bet my drums are out of spec, but, that's life.

Today loaded the truck up with a big load of scrap - didn't hardly even need to use 1st - but did anyway. Brakes still worked very well - hardly knew there was a load on the truck - other than now it finally rides decent....

Arnstein & Son....(click me)

Load includes two tractor mower decks cut up. btw, if you are in a humorous mood and have powerpoint - email me for my presentation...