[Dman98]

Is the 2003 caliper upgrade really worth it? I have a stripped caliper bolt hole which I used an oversized bolt to secure and am trying to decide whether to install inserts or do the upgrade? If I do the inserts, I'll be doing all four to help prevent this problem from happening again.

I haven't gotten much response to my question on the various other forums I posted to but, from what I can find, I just need the calipers, banjo bolts, brackets & knuckles and can use my original control arms, ball joints and bearings?? So, to do the upgrade I'll only need 2003 Durango 4x4 calipers, caliper brackets, rotors, brake pads and steering knuckles and I'm going to the pick-n-pull this weekend to pick up those items and prep them for install.

I'll start off with Autozone rotors/pads and then upgrade when they wear out.

 

[Neil]

To tell you the truth, I don't know of anyone who's done the 03 change for the front discs? most have done it for the rear discs. Also, I wouldn't worry about the oversize bolts; I've had two in one side of mine for 10+ years with no problems.

 

[skitzo.d]

I thought the lower ball joints were different for 2003 and, if so, the control arms wouldn't be the same. I haven't grabbed a set from the boneyard yet so I don't know for sure, but I have been tempted to do this for the better stopping myself. I already have the rear disc brakes from an '03 so this would complete the set. If you're only doing this to keep from using bigger bolts, that's an expensive way to go about it! Combined with the rear drums I'd have to say it's better than the '98 setup but, to get the best stopping, add the '03 rear discs.

I say do it and post the results! :thumbsup:

 

[paisley_tele]

How much bigger are the front rotors and are the calipers 1 piston or more?

 

[skitzo.d]

The stock wheels on the 2003 are 16" so the rotors should be at least another 1/2" taller?? The calipers are dual piston.

 

[Tino]

How hard is it to change my 02 rear drums to 03 discs? Would adding the rear discs be better than just upgrading the front to the 03 set up?

 

[Tazdevil]

Unless you're towing or hauling heavy loads, the rear disc won't make much difference in stopping power. 90% of your stopping is done by the front brakes when empty.

 

[FSTDANGO3]

The rear disc upgrade performs much better over the stock configuration.
Steve

 

[skitzo.d]

Unless you're towing or hauling heavy loads, the rear disc won't make much difference in stopping power. 90% of your stopping is done by the front brakes when empty.

Not true, I get much better stopping with my rear disc conversion. Adding disc to the rear adds much more stopping power vs the drums.

 

[Tino]

Thanks guys! I think the rear 03 brake conversion is most likely less work than the front conversion. Does anyone have a parts list of what I'd require for the rear conversion? Also, does it impact my ABS or will that not be an issue?

 

[tomk]

Shouldn't affect your ABS as there's still only one rear channel with the sensor in the pumpkin.

 

[FSTDANGO3]

Just make sure the donor axle out of the 03 has the same gear ratio as your D.
Steve

 

[skitzo.d]

The rear is WAY less work than the front! With the right replacement rear (all the pieces there and working), you can swap it out in a day with minimal tools.

 

[Tino]

Thanks! I'm now on the lookout for an 03 donor.

 

[Volphin]

I thought the lower ball joints were different for 2003 and, if so, the control arms wouldn't be the same. I haven't grabbed a set from the boneyard yet so I don't know for sure, but I have been tempted to do this for the better stopping myself. I already have the rear disc brakes from an '03 so this would complete the set. If you're only doing this to keep from using bigger bolts, that's an expensive way to go about it! Combined with the rear drums I'd have to say it's better than the '98 setup but, to get the best stopping, add the '03 rear discs.

I say do it and post the results! :thumbsup:

Well, I'm off to the bone yard this weekend to find an 03 donor; I'm going to upgrade the front brakes to 03 spec + drilled and slotted rotors. I confirmed the ball joints are the same as my 01 so I just need the steering knuckles and calipers, but hey, if they throw in the rotors, I'll take em. I may come back with a 03 3.55 rear axle assembly as well.

I'll report my progress.

 

[Volphin]

Well after several home projects and a boat engine rebuild, I finally had time to tackle this today. LOL
Yeah, I know… the parts have been sitting there for years mocking me. I have disassembled the driver's side, and disassembled the donor 2003 system. At this point I can say that I wish the donor parts had been soaking in PB blaster for two years. hahaha!
Anyway, I test fitted the hub assy and everything matches up as it should. Ordered new Timken bearings and some new drilled/slotted rotors. So far I have 3 hour into the swap, mainly because of rusted up rotors and fasteners. This is happening not a moment too soon, as the pads were paper thin.

 

[MWeed]

Just buy a complete 03 rear axle and make it fit. You'll need to adapt the e'brake assembly to the new cable that you want with the axle and adapt the brake line.

 

[Volphin]

Just buy a complete 03 rear axle and make it fit. You'll need to adapt the e'brake assembly to the new cable that you want with the axle and adapt the brake line.

That's on the agenda Mike, but I'm working on the fronts right now.

 

[FSTDANGO3]

Who are you ....lol ^^^^^^
steve

 

[Volphin]

LOL! I ask myself the same question lately! I've picked up a few more hobbies in my old age as well. :doh:
Those keep me kind of busy too.