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Brake Upgrade 11 Citadel AWD - Best bang for buck?

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LexGS350

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Hi recently got a 11 Citadel 5.7 Hemi AWD. I printed out the factory build sheet and think it has a slight upgraded HD Rear brakes and/or Rotors?

I tried to do some searches and research about the different Brake upgrade options. I think I saw that the2012 Jeep SRT Brembo's are a direct fit?

What is the cheapest option, for doing a slight upgrade with Jeep, Dodge, Chrysler parts? Do the Chrysler 300 SRT brakes fit or any other factory ones with slightly bigger diameter Rotors and Calipers from any of the other car models or newer SUV's? I have 2018 Durango SRT wheels a very nice member sold me here. So in other words even if I just kept the Factory HD rear brakes I have now? What would be a slight upgrade for a cheapest cost that I could do to the front only, or front and rear?

Appreciate any help here as I am Not new to upgrading vehicles, I am just new to this one still. I don't need Track duty brake to throw me through the front window. Just something that will brake better, and last much longer?
 
#2 ·
Search through these forums, there a TONS of posts and threads about the SRT Brembos from Jeep SRT/Durango SRT upgrade. At a minimum, you need:
The Brembo calipers and pads (front and rear)
Brake lines that mate to them (many use the Goodridge stainless steel since it's an affordable upgrade while you're doing it) Some have modded theirs to work, but I'd just recommend getting new SS ones.
Front rotors (with the 5.7, you have the HD brakes and the rears work as long as they indeed are the HD vented rotors, but suggest getting new rotors anyways to have a good new surface)
If you've got SRT wheels, you're good and have 20" wheels that clear the rotors (this is often the most expensive part of the mod if you need new wheels/tires)

There are larger front dust/heat shields, but you don't have to replace them. I didn't at first because you have to take out the wheel bearing/hub. If you're due for replacement, go ahead and do the shields as well.
 
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#3 ·
Cheapest options is to swap to new good quality rotors and a high performance pad. Previous owner may have had a cheapo brake job done. I was not a fan of the brake feel on my Citadel with HD brakes when I got it either.

Brembo swap will cost you a couple grand just in parts, so if you're not looking for track ready performance and just want it to feel good, I wouldn't start with Brembos. Great brakes, but not cheap.

Take a look at what is available from places like Powerstop or EBC.

Brake Upgrade Kits - All Products | PowerStop Brakes

Affordable performance upgrade brake kits for any type of driving. Extreme tow and haul, extreme performance, and daily driving.
www.powerstop.com www.powerstop.com

www.shopebcbrakes.com

2011 Dodge Durango Parts

Shop 2011 Dodge Durango Parts
www.shopebcbrakes.com www.shopebcbrakes.com
 
#4 ·
Good point on the current prices for the Brembo swap. It's been quite a while since I did my brake conversion on my 2011, back then you could get rebuilt calipers from NAPA for about $165 or so. (cost about $950 for all the brake parts... but then almost $2K for wheels and tires that fit them, lol) And yes, it seems like the SRT caliper upgrade is crazy expensive now. Getting the rebuilt calipers is still the cheapest option, the challenge now a days is finding them in stock. I believe the current brand that sells them is Cardone.

I'd agree the most affordable option is a good set of slotted rotors and higher friction coefficient pads.
 
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#5 ·
LexGS350:
The R/T model has bigger brakes from the get go vs the SXT. Does your D have the Tow group?
X 2 on finding a better quality rotor/pad combination to see where that takes you. Another option might be to find out if the Durango Pursuit brakes would bolt on? The Charger Pursuit BR9 brakes are an excellent upgrade for those vehicles, and it's done with oem parts.

Don
 
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Discussion starter · #6 ·
norge said:
Search through these forums, there a TONS of posts and threads about the SRT Brembos from Jeep SRT/Durango SRT upgrade. At a minimum, you need:
The Brembo calipers and pads (front and rear)
Brake lines that mate to them (many use the Goodridge stainless steel since it's an affordable upgrade while you're doing it) Some have modded theirs to work, but I'd just recommend getting new SS ones.
Front rotors (with the 5.7, you have the HD brakes and the rears work as long as they indeed are the HD vented rotors, but suggest getting new rotors anyways to have a good new surface)
If you've got SRT wheels, you're good and have 20" wheels that clear the rotors (this is often the most expensive part of the mod if you need new wheels/tires)

There are larger front dust/heat shields, but you don't have to replace them. I didn't at first because you have to take out the wheel bearing/hub. If you're due for replacement, go ahead and do the shields as well.
Click to expand...
Thank you both. As I indicated in the 1st post I had already done quite a bit of searching and research. Also I indicated I knew about the Jeep/Durango/SRT upgrade already.

I was seeking to see if others had other options they choose? ex. do any of the cheaper upgraded Caliper direct fit like the 300 SRT, or others? I had consider the factory size with aftermarket replacements of good quality too. I do not really like Slotted rotors. They normally shaved Pads too fast and also normally produce a roaring sounds when braking too. I thought I kinda indicated that I was not looking for a $1500 - $2000 upgrade, more a bang for buck cost upgrade.

I am not in a rush to do this so that's why I posted to see what others may have found and/or done.
 
Discussion starter · #7 ·
Don Fox said:
LexGS350:
The R/T model has bigger brakes from the get go vs the SXT. Does your D have the Tow group?
X 2 on finding a better quality rotor/pad combination to see where that takes you. Another option might be to find out if the Durango Pursuit brakes would bolt on? The Charger Pursuit BR9 brakes are an excellent upgrade for those vehicles, and it's done with oem parts.

Don
Click to expand...
DF Thanks. This was the kind of of info and experience I was looking for to see if some could share. Yes I have a 11 Citadel AWD 5.7 Hemi with Tow Group. Does mine have the R/T bigger rotors and brakes already?

I was hoping that someone here had done, or knew if the Charger, and/or others were are direct fit upgrade? Anyone know anything about the Durango Pursuit brakes and if they are a direct fit swap?

There are many like for like replacement options. I know. I was more looking for something with a factory swap upgrade moderately.
 
#8 ·
LexGS350 said:
There are many like for like replacement options. I know. I was more looking for something with a factory swap upgrade moderately.
Click to expand...
The Tow Group brakes are the same as the standard R/T brakes I believe....350mm fronts with vented rears. Standard non-R/T brakes are 330 front and solid rears. Unfortunately, other than the Brembo swap there is no consensus best performance pad upgrade. This is the thread I journeyed on: https://www.dodgedurango.net/threads/why-are-my-brakes-so-soft.83078/#post-830536

Eventually went with Powerstop Z36 on new blank rotors looking for a decent heavy duty tow brake package. Performance was fine stopping a heavy load, but never felt like really good brakes do. If I were doing it over again I'd probably go for EBC Yellow pads on Raybestos R300 slotted rotors.

Please do post back when you make the swap with the results.
 
Discussion starter · #9 · (Edited)
So what I was trying to see was if someone found a under the radar direct fit better Caliper/Rotor factory crossover bolt on. Kinda like would a Charger, 300, Challenger, or SUV was a direct fit with bigger Rotors also. Below is a example of a cheap caliper from a another car.

www.ebay.com

06 16 Dodge Charger SRT8 Brembo Front Left Right Brake Calipers Challenger Red | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 06 16 Dodge Charger SRT8 Brembo Front Left Right Brake Calipers Challenger Red at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!
www.ebay.com

Here is a pic of what I think is the Stock Factory on my 2011 Durango Citadel 5.7 hemi AWD. * Notice in the pics the mounting bracket holes.

www.ebay.com

Dodge Durango 5.7L V8 R/T Front Drivers Lh Caliper 2011 Up Too 2022 OEM | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Dodge Durango 5.7L V8 R/T Front Drivers Lh Caliper 2011 Up Too 2022 OEM at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!
www.ebay.com

My normal like for like slight Brake upgrade is either the Factory Rotors, and Akebono Performance pads. I sometimes use StopTech/Centric Rotors. Personally I hate Powerstop. Here is a review, of the Durango fit one for my Durango. They also can be had on Amazon for $119 each.

The other thing I most always do is have my Rotors Cryo treated before install. I have found it deters Rotor warp and they last twice as long. At this point I may try to obtain 2-3 of the Mopar factory Caliper off of some of the cars I listed. Do some measuring and see if any will bolt right up, and make work. If not keeping them in still new condition I can just return them and go the StopTech/Centric Rotors Cryo treated with Akebono Performance pads route.

Lots of nice very positive reviews from user of the Durango application Rotors below.

Centric 320.58008F - GCX Rotor with Full Coating

2 Coating Types Partially or Fully coated to match OE friction type; means the right rotor for your car; Road Ready From the box to your vehicle; no additional prep needed
www.buybrakes.com www.buybrakes.com

The Akebono's have a great reviews for the Durango Pads Part# ASP1455

Akebono ASP1455 - Performance Ultra Premium Ceramic Disc Brake Pad Set, 2-Wheel Set

Akebono Performance Ultra-Premium Brake Pads specifically engineered for fleet, law enforcement & extreme use. Precision fit & made from a proprietary mix of ceramic compounds to maximize performance, rotor compatibility & minimizing NVH.
www.buybrakes.com www.buybrakes.com

akebonobrakes.com

Akebono Performance® Ultra-Premium Brake Pads for Street Vehicles

Performance enthusiast? Spirited street driver? Trust Akebono Performance® Ultra-Premium Brake Pads to safely and smoothly stop your vehicle.
akebonobrakes.com akebonobrakes.com
 
#10 ·
I believe it's been answered before, Charger and Challenger brakes don't fit on Durangos. Jeep Cherokee will but they are the same choices that Durangos have. Aftermarket midrange is your only choice.
 
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#11 ·
LexGS350 said:
So what I was trying to see was if someone found a under the radar direct fit better Caliper/Rotor factory crossover bolt on. Kinda like would a Charger, 300, Challenger, or SUV was a direct fit with bigger Rotors also. Below is a example of a cheap caliper from a another car.
Click to expand...
From what I'm tracking, it can't be done. While the majority of affordable Challenger/Charger options have different rotor diameters, they can't be switched over because of having a different lug pattern spacing.

For example, you've got 350mm diameter rotors and 5x127mm lug pattern. With the Challenger, at least up to 2018, it primarily had three rotor sizes: 320mm; 345mm; and 360mm. (there was a 15.4" in 2017, but that's Durango Hellcat type brakes, very expensive) Can't run the 360mm Brembos without switching rotors, which won't work because of the Challenger's 5x115mm lug pattern sizing.

Another issue that you HAVE to consider. Even IF the brake calipers fit, it doesn't mean the calipers are properly designed with piston sizing, etc. for the Durango. For example, the curb weight of a '23 Challenger is about 3,841 to 4,415 lbs versus the Durango's curb weight of about 4,750 to 5,710 lbs.
 
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Discussion starter · #12 ·
I thank you both. Yes the Lug bolt patterns of the cars vs SUV completely slipped my mind. Thanks for bringing that to my attention. For now I think I will just do a renew with Centrix rotors, and Akebono Perf pads, changing out the lines and fluids.

I'll keep shopping for a deal here and there on the 2012 Jeep STR8 Calipers and other parts to get a set, then store up the others parts for that upgrade later on down the line. I guess being I already have the 5.7 AWD there is not really the Base Model to 5.7 AWD pack brake upgrade.

The only other thing I wonder is what is this Pursuit police package brake upgrade? Again, just getting the Durango and not knowing as much as I will learn in time, I don't know if there was a Pursuit Durango in the 11 - whatever fit model year? See the attach indicates that there was a "Upgraded heavy-duty front brake caliper assemblies" .

It looks like the Pads were a different compound pad also maybe. idk? But is the Caliper/Rotor different or the same upgraded one on the 5.7 AWD Tow, just a different pad? See Attached

Again, I appreciate all the info from those who already know have posted! Thank you!
 

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LexGS350
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