Review: Alcon Brakes for Gen 2

[colticus]

Why were new outer tie rods needed for the install?

 

[nikhsub1]

Why were new outer tie rods needed for the install?

Because the rotors are much thicker than OEM - the OEM outer tie rods will hit the rotor. Like I said, Ford used different tie rod ends on different trucks, no rhyme or reason to it. Some will clear the rotor no problem, the others will not.

 

[Nex]

So a good excuse to order the SVC tie rods then.

 

[colticus]

Because the rotors are much thicker than OEM - the OEM outer tie rods will hit the rotor. Like I said, Ford used different tie rod ends on different trucks, no rhyme or reason to it. Some will clear the rotor no problem, the others will not.

Could stock size rotors be used?

 

[GCATX]

Just finished a big build and wanted to share some inputs on what might be my favorite addition:

Alcon 6-pot Front Calipers
Alcon Slotted Front & Rear Discs
Crown SS Brake Lines

Pros:
Brake pedal feel - Massive improvement. Less pedal mush, more consistency.
Brake grab - Its easier to find the engagement point at any speed.
Brake power - These will stop your shit fast and in less distance.

These are so good that it almost makes the stock brakes seem irresponsible.

Cons:
Price
Availability
Wheel options

We were able to fit these with a set of 17" Enkei RPT1s (and will work with stock 17s) by using easy-to-find Grade 8 hardware from the local store. Took a little grinding off the leading edge of the head (1-2mm) to clear but simple enough.

Beyond the power upgrades done to the truck, these are the most noticeable improvement. If you're investing in go-fast parts, don't forget you also need to slow that beast down reliably and consistently.

Don't regret a penny spent on these, they work.


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Out of curiosity, stock we can press the brake pedal and engage the ABS at will. How would upgrading stop the truck faster and in less distance? I'm not a racer or physics type person, so if this is some type of common knowledge, forgive me.

A better pedal feel would certainly be welcome.

 

[Nex]

Activating your ABS does not make you slow down any faster, it actually makes it worse. The faster you are going you will want better stopping power. Also with more use they heat up and you get brake fade.

 

[Zeusmotorworks]

GCATX,

I've faded my 2020's brakes taking Avery Ranch exit southbound on 183A (75mph speed limit which means 85-ish for most in Texas in 100 plus degree heat). Yes, I was "moving", but yes I was cut off and had to stop suddenly vs. gradually. Very unnerving in a 3 ton truck. Luckily had a little experience in such matters.

Also, many get caught up in the farce that if I can lock up my brakes that's all the brake I need. True but not true. Especially when you have reached the thermal capacity of the OE sized rotors vs bigger ones with more mass to dissipate heat. What you can do for how long BEFORE the tires screech can be equally important.

Told myself I was not going to post such things here anymore as there are those who are SO much smarter than I...

 

[GCATX]

GCATX,

I've faded my 2020's brakes taking Avery Ranch exit southbound on 183A (75mph speed limit which means 85-ish for most in Texas in 100 plus degree heat). Yes, I was "moving", but yes I was cut off and had to stop suddenly vs. gradually. Very unnerving in a 3 ton truck. Luckily had a little experience in such matters.

Also, many get caught up in the farce that if I can lock up my brakes that's all the brake I need. True but not true. Especially when you have reached the thermal capacity of the OE sized rotors vs bigger ones with more mass to dissipate heat. What you can do for how long BEFORE the tires screech can be equally important.

Told myself I was not going to post such things here anymore as there are those who are SO much smarter than I...

I didn't consider fade. Yeah, I'm with you on the 85 on 183A. My rotors are all kinds of colors mostly dark gray in the middle. I'm actually shocked they haven't warped yet with 93k miles.

 

[Zeusmotorworks]

I would speculate that’s probably a testament to the quality of Ford’s pad compound as most peoples “warped” rotors are actually uneven pad transfer and not the “trueness” of the rotor itself.

 

[Zeusmotorworks]

Also… at the “actual” speed limit on that very road today, I was passed like standing still several times.

To the thread, I bought into a Raptor expecting to purchase more brake. For 98% of the braking I do, OE is perfectly adequate. It’s that 2% I want to spend the money for. Kind a like guns and parachutes. You will probably never need one, but if you don’t have one when you need it, it’s way too late to get one!