I have the Black Magic (Vanco) 16” big brake upgrade. Huge difference in stopping power.
If I were to do it again I think I’d get the super 16 or 17 since I have 17” wheels. These would probably give more stopping power.
Lots of good options out there. If I were to buy off the shelf, I'd go with a Vanco big brake kit I think.
On mine I went the DIY route. A bit more involved, but much less expensive compared to any of the pre built kits - and hellacious stopping power. Very significant improvement over stock Centric premium rotors and Black Magic pads. Does require 17" wheels.
We've got the Vanco Big Brake kit and Blaine (mrblaine) added hydro assist steering and hydro assist braking in lieu of the vacuum master cylinder. The hydro assist braking was a tremendous upgrade and we're good on 37s. When you say hydraboost, is that what I just described?
From what I've heard, you have to really use (almost abuse) the Vanco Black Magic brakes or they don't work that well.
What options are there for a flatlander (beach) with no lift running standard wheels and tires (2006 Rubi LJ)? The stock brakes are almost useless.
I would think any of the cheaper kits that adapt a larger rotor would be good for a stockish JK. When my wifes stock JKU needs brakes, I plan to go that route, to increase the marginal brake performance. As a side note, my gladiator's brakes are much stronger than the JKU. Of course it is rated to tow, but it would be nice if the JT components adapted to the JK easily.
The Vanco (Black Magic) brake set up only requires "aggressive" braking during the specific break in period. Once they are broken in they are used like every other stockish brake set up except that they work a lot better.
Vancp brake set ups give you larger front rotors and front dual piston calipers along with the black magic brake pads.
A less expensive alternative and a slight improvement over stock brakes are the Black Magic centric rotors with Black Magic pads. I ran this set up prior to getting the 16" Vanco big brake kit. They worked fairly well when I was running 33" rubber.
I ran Centric Premium rotors and a couple different premium pads for years on 35's. EBC Yellow Stuff and Black Magic were both noticeably improved over other pads. Black Magic had a better cold bite I think. Yellow Stuff seem to just grab harder the hotter they get. For a panic stop, I'll take the cold bite.
I did a WJ knuckle swap along with the dual piston Akebono calipers and Ford Explorer 12" rotors. Stops great with 35's and good with 37's
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