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If you own a Jeep JK, one of the essential things you will need to look for is a big brake kit. This is basically an oversized caliper used to accommodate an oversized brake pad. The main objective of these kits is to enhance the surface area of the brake pad that’s hitting the brake rotor to give you an improved braking function.
When you are looking for a big brake kit, you can expect to find a wide range of brands and models to choose from. The price may also vary widely from $1,000 to $3,000 depending upon the application. To make your decision-making process easier, we have reviewed more than a dozen products and compared them based on a number of different factors.
Read on to find a complete review of each product carefully handpicked by our team. If you are in a hurry to order, we simply suggest that you opt for the Power Stop K2798-36 brake kit. The proprietary carbon-fiber ceramic materials help to handle heavier loads while the drilled and sotted performance rotors offer maximum cooling.
#1. TeraFlex 4303420 JK Front Big Brake Kit
The first product on our list is the TeraFlex JK Front Big Brake Kit, a kit that’s designed as a factory brake upgrade for JK owners. It is a performance brake package capable of handling the increased braking requirements of a vehicle after large wheels and tires have been installed.
The TeraFlex 4303420 kit features a simple bolt-on installation that needs no welding, cutting, or adapter bracketry. The unit comes with oversized 56mm dual-piston calipers needed for increased clamping force and an enhanced surface area.
The rotors also feature two-wheel bolt patterns: 5×5″ and 5×5.5″. Please note that a minimum of 17″ diameter wheels must be used with this big brake kit.
Product features and specifications
- Weight: 92 lbs.
- Machined exterior
- 56mm dual-piston calipers
- Made in China
User/Customer Reviews
Several users have said that this is a must-have upgrade if you own a JK model of Jeep. You also have the choice to install it all at once or in stages. People have also mentioned that these calipers and rotors are massive in size, and the brackets and pads fit perfectly. Some customers have also said that these brakes have super stopping power and that they make a big difference.
Conclusion
The TeraFlex 4303420 (learn more) is a big brake kit that is easy to install and brings about a huge difference in the vehicle’s braking speed. It is easy to install, and you get to experience the feel of a sports car yet in a larger vehicle on the road. Overall, we feel this is a good investment and a must-have upgrade for your Jeep’s performance.
#2. Power Stop K2798-36 Z36 Truck & Tow Front and Rear Brake Kit
The Power Stop K2798-36 Z36 brake kit (see Amazon) is a front and rear brake kit made from proprietary carbon-fiber ceramic materials. It enhances the strength of a typical ceramic brake pad compound used to handle heavier loads. It is designed to fit the Jeep Wrangler 2017-2007 models as well as the 2018 Jeep Wrangler JK.
This kit includes a low-dust braking system validated through on-vehicle third-party testing done in Los Angeles. It results in an average of 30% less dust compared to OE. There are drilled and slotted performance rotors available for maximum cooling, too. The kit also includes stainless steel installation hardware and high-temperature ceramic brake lubricant.
After installation, the Z36 Truck & Tow Performance Brake Kit delivers a superior stopping power demanded by those who tow and haul. This kit includes perfectly matched components that are made to deliver the kind of brake torque needed for the increase in load or wheel diameter.
Product features and specifications
- Weight: 70.2 lbs.
- Zinc-plated exterior
- Rear and front positions
- Bolt-on upgrade
- Dual-layer, high-temp rubberized shims
- Insulated noise for virtually silent braking
User/Customer Reviews
Those who have installed this big brake kit on their Jeep JK have said that these brake additions work great. People have also mentioned that the installation is simple if you follow the instructions or watch a YouTube video for any aspects you may not understand very well. A few customers have warned that the parts came a little dinted, but nothing was missing.
Conclusion
The Power Stop K2798-36 Z36 kit is a well-designed and well-built big brake kit that installs easily and delivers a noticeable difference in overall performance. It lends good stopping power even in the steepest of declines. Overall, we feel that this product offers a good price to performance ratio.
#3. R1 Concepts eLINE Series Front Rear Drilled and Slotted Brake Rotors
Last but not the least, we have the eLINE Series brake rotors that promise to give immense and high-quality stopping power to your Jeep. These are made using state-of-the-art technology that makes the brake rotors last longer and ensures that the vehicle’s safety remains consistent for thousands of miles to come.
These eLINE Series brake rotors do not require any modifications, and they are designed for a direct fit. Each of these brake rotors, excluding the blank pattern rotors, comes with specialized zinc plating that is designed to protect from rust development. Although some of this corrosion protection will ultimately fade away with use, the rest of the rotor will remain protected.
Cross-drilled rotors help in minimizing the heat that accumulates on the rotor by up to 105°F. They are also chamfered, further minimizing the potential for cracking. The Diamond Slot Technology on these rotors also removes the brake and road debris, preventing the pad from glazing. This helps in extending the life of both the pad and the rotor.
Product features and specifications
- Weight: 73 lbs.
- Silver, zinc-plated exterior
- 4 brake rotors
- 8 ceramic brake pads
- Precision-drilled holes
- Diamond-slotted design
User/Customer Reviews
Those who have used this product have said that the installation was easy and that they stop pretty well after the initial “break-in” period. People are also happy with the good price point at which this product is available. A few customers have complained that the brakes take some time to break in after installation though and that it usually takes 400-500 miles before they get a really good grip.
Conclusion
The R1 Concepts eLINE Series brake rotors are a good quality product that gives you good stopping power, but you’ll have to wait for them to get properly broken in to see the difference. They generally tend to be far better than the factory brakes and perform well, too. Overall, we think this product completely delivers on what it promises.
Related Questions
Do big brakes last longer?
This really depend on what the items in the brake kits are made of. Many standard brakes involve the use of rubber, which wears down at the common rate found on most vehicles. However, upgrading the materials to something such as steel or ceramic components makes these parts much more durable and long-lasting.
Are bigger brakes needed for bigger rims?
Bigger wheels or rims do not require a brake change, but the heavier wheels do. When there is an increase in rotational mass, this requires more effort to change the direction in which your vehicle is traveling. If you wish to maintain the same level of performance, you will need bigger brakes and more engine power to accommodate the increased weight and mass of larger wheels and rims.
See Also:
Jeep JK Wrangler vs. JK Wrangler Unlimited
10 Best Front Bumpers for Jeep JKs and JLs
7 Best Rotors For Your Jeep Wrangler JKs
4 Best Jeep JK Rear Bumpers With Tire Carriers