Instant Big Brake Kit - Sort of? Baer Big Claw Brakes

[Blizzak454]

searched the forum and didn't see anything so sorry if a repeat post......

Maybe I've been living under a rock, but I didn't know this product existed........ 16" brakes for under $800? WHAT!?!?

So apparently Baer Brakes has 16" rotor upgrades that uses your factory calipers (caliper relocation bracket included) for around $745. 16" rear rotors are also available. When the time comes for new brakes, I was going to go with the PowerStop Z36 option but now might do this. Yes its more $$ but you're moving from a Front 14.9" / Rear 14.7" to 16"s all around. Not only would that look amazing through the wheels, its gotta be an upgrade in stopping performance.

The only hang up I have is spare-wheel compatibility. It would definitely suck to upgrade your brakes only to find out you can't use your spare. that's no bueno in a side-of-the-road-on-a-dark-and-rainy-night scenario.

what do y'all think?

 

[Rock Crawler]

PowerStop - $685 for all four (rotors and pads).

Baer - $1642 for all four (rotors and pads).

That’s a pretty big price difference.

 

[boogielander]

my stock brakes stop good.
if im doing speed that requires bigger brakes for more stopping power, I'm doing it in the wrong vehicle.

 

[Rock Crawler]

my stock brakes stop good.
if im doing speed that requires bigger brakes for more stopping power, I'm doing it in the wrong vehicle.

It’s not always about speed. I installed a Vanco Big Brake Kit from Black Magic Brakes on my 05 LJ. The stock brakes were ok when the Jeep was stock, but you add 35-37” tires, heavy bumpers, a lift, winch, tube fenders, etc., etc., then the Jeep gets heavy. The stock brakes were struggling to perform well. The big brake kit made a big difference. But, that is an entire kit that includes larger calipers, rotors, brake pads, etc.

 

[HSKR R/T]

searched the forum and didn't see anything so sorry if a repeat post......

Maybe I've been living under a rock, but I didn't know this product existed........ 16" brakes for under $800? WHAT!?!?

So apparently Baer Brakes has 16" rotor upgrades that uses your factory calipers (caliper relocation bracket included) for around $745. 16" rear rotors are also available. When the time comes for new brakes, I was going to go with the PowerStop Z36 option but now might do this. Yes its more $$ but you're moving from a Front 14.9" / Rear 14.7" to 16"s all around. Not only would that look amazing through the wheels, its gotta be an upgrade in stopping performance.

The only hang up I have is spare-wheel compatibility. It would definitely suck to upgrade your brakes only to find out you can't use your spare. that's no bueno in a side-of-the-road-on-a-dark-and-rainy-night scenario.

what do y'all think?

If you are installing a larger rotor, but not changing the size of the caliper and/or brake pads, what exactly are you gaining, other than aesthetics nd rotational weight?

 

[Rock Crawler]

If you are installing a larger rotor, but not changing the size of the caliper and/or brake pads, what exactly are you gaining, other than aesthetics nd rotational weight?

Better heat dissipation which assists in minimizing brake fade. It’s only half the equation though. I’m not saying it won’t help some, but upgrading calipers as well is the right way to do it. It’s just much more expensive.

 

[HSKR R/T]

Better heat dissipation which assists in minimizing brake fade. It’s only half the equation though. I’m not saying it won’t help some, but upgrading calipers as well is the right way to do it. It’s just much more expensive.

Unless those rotors were made specifically to be cross drilled, which most as aftermarket rotors aren't, you can actualy increase heat because you lose braking surface from the holes and slots. And the viens inside not being designed specifically to take advantage of being cross drilled. I won't run cross drilled rotors on any of my vehicles anymore. Every set so have tried, in the past, has cracked. Granted I probably use my brakes harder than the average person because I drove my vehicles hard. At least the ones I have used cross drilled rotors on.

 

[boogielander]

It’s not always about speed. I installed a Vanco Big Brake Kit from Black Magic Brakes on my 05 LJ. The stock brakes were ok when the Jeep was stock, but you add 35-37” tires, heavy bumpers, a lift, winch, tube fenders, etc., etc., then the Jeep gets heavy. The stock brakes were struggling to perform well. The big brake kit made a big difference. But, that is an entire kit that includes larger calipers, rotors, brake pads, etc.

lol i know what you mean but if we're talking about weight's effect, my thinking is with 885lb of constant weight (and that's not even my full overland setup) I don't drive as fast, not like I drive fast with the truck when it was bone stock anyways. in fact, i actually slow down because i know braking distance increases, i got over $30k of mods (parts only) on the truck, and i defensive drive because the truck just doesn't handle like a real sports car no matter what sway bar or brake kits are installed.

 

[CHeYeNNe71]

Jeep uses a bigger front rotor 330/350 mm and thicker rear vented rotors with same calipers and pads for the Grand Cherokee. Moving the caliper further out helps with braking, but yes can possibly cause other issues.

SS Brake lines will also help and once I do my lift I will be upgrading the front lines with SS.

In the case of double the cost as mentioned above, I would stick with Powerstop personally.

 

[Blizzak454]

Dont know if the pads have a larger surface area than stock. Supposedly the rotors have "curved" vanes for better heat dissipation. Obviously they can't be as good as a legit big brake kit (brembo, wildwood, etc) but those are $4000+. I think its an interesting product that maybe not everybody knew about (I certainly didn't). If I can get 16" brakes front and rear for $1600, that doesn't seem like too bad of a deal.

 

[HSKR R/T]

Dont know if the pads have a larger surface area than stock. Supposedly the rotors have "curved" vanes for better heat dissipation. Obviously they can't be as good as a legit big brake kit (brembo, wildwood, etc) but those are $4000+. I think its an interesting product that maybe not everybody knew about (I certainly didn't). If I can get 16" brakes front and rear for $1600, that doesn't seem like too bad of a deal.

If you just want the look of 16" rotors, and feel $1400 is worth the cost, then go for it don't let us hold you back.