2000 Voyager/Caravan Brake Upgrde

[djbugman]

Hello All -- I am interested in upgrading the front brakes on my 2000 Voyager. I spend alot of time in this vehicle, and I'd like it to stop quicker. Also, The rotors (originals & Raybestos replacements), tend to warp rather quickly. Ideally, I'd like to fit larger rotors and pads. Has anyone done this, or am I the only crazy one? Thanks, Ed

[Ratler9782]

I've upgraded my fronts with PowerSlot slotted front rotors (same diameter as stock) as well as EBC Heavy Duty Pads. That seems to work well for me. I would like to go with a big brake kit but haven't found anyone willing to do it. Closest thing I've seen to an upgrade you're looking for is some dude who adapted front brakes and calipers from a Viper. He modded the spindles to accomodate the calipers and rotors. Dunno his name though....wish I knew so I could do the same to my '00 Caravan

[homestead1000]

Hey Ratler,
I did the exact same thing. Powerslots with EBC green pads. I heated my origonal set enough to crack the pads. Was a little more in cost but better quality parts. What a difference it's made. They do humm a little when standing on the brakes pretty hard but when braking that hard I'm not paying attention to the humm and only hoping I stop in time. Get used to brake dust coating the rims too.

[Ratler9782]

Yeah....that damned dust is a pain to clean off the rims! At least that doesn't offset the great stopping power of these rotors and pads :)

[427v8]

Yea the front rotors are way undersized for such a big car. I did hear about a guy once that put Viper rotors and disks on his. Big job tho...

[homestead1000]

I remember through the research i was doing just prior to installing the powerslots was that the braking system on the caravan was the same as a dodge stratus. Would make sense why the braking system just isnt designed for a heavier vehicle.
My buddy told me a place he used to work at sold a pair of viper calipers for $1500ea used. I think a big brake system would be cheaper in the long run. I still would just spend $400 on new rotors and pads every other year.

[427v8]

All I know is I have to drive it nicely otherwise I warp rotors.
Actually they don't warp but melt, It feels like they are warped but if you look at them you can see than metal has been removed from one place and deposited in another!!!

Also my Corvette at about 3000 lbs has much larger brakes. I mean the Van weighs close to 4000lbs empty right? so with 7 passengers it would be like 5500 lbs, thatsa lota weight to stop

[homestead1000]

ya man! when I became aware of the problem I found my rotors blue from hardening the steel and the pads were cracked. Knowing my driving habits I know I dont drive like a race car driver to going work but common, thats weak! It should handle those intermitent times of being stessed!
I do feel way better about what I've done. I put much less pressure on the pedal to stop it which would equate to less stress/pressure on the master cylinder. I think I can deal with the wear/tear trade-off vs. working/hoping my vehicle to stop reliably. Hits me as a no brainer!
If you can't increase the size of the rotors. Increase the quality of the steel right?

[BABYGRAND]

Would you guys know of a part number for a 2001? Or if the rotors on a 2000 the same size?

I would love a pair of slotted or cross drilled.

[gas28man]

It's my understanding that the factory made three different kinds of brakes for the 96-00 minivans. The 4-cylinder models got brake systems that were Neon-based, and damn near useless. Then there were two different kinds for the V-6 vans. The up-lines got bigger brakes that, from my own experience, work pretty good. I'm told the quick way to tell whether you've got the better brakes is if your van came with 16-inch rims standard. My 96 T&C has the bigger setup, and while I'll agree they're still too weak for the van, I don't baby them, and usually get 20,000 to 25,000 between having to change pads (I always change rotors too). At 278K miles, I'm still on the original calipers and master cylinder. My booster just went out and should be done in a couple days. Other than that, no complaints.

It's also my understanding the Town & Country vans also came with the 3.8 engine standard, so perhaps this is why my van has the better equipment.

If you're looking for an upgrade, you may be able to swap in the "16-inch" calipers, rotors and pads without too much hassle.

FWIW, all my information here comes from a friend who's a parts counterman at a NAPA store, so I don't know if it's all accurate, but it seems to make sense.

Rick

[homestead1000]

I've got 15" wheels with a 3.3 v6. It may be better but not good enough.

I got my parts through www(dot)aj-usa(dot)com. They had the best price with free shipping. They have an easy to use drop down menu to cross check parts and numbers.