So now is the time to decide on how to replace/upgrade the front brakes on my son's project. The problem is to upgrde to the vented rotors or stay stock, solid rotor. Again $$$ is the issue for him but good brakes are a concern for me, he is paying though.
What I have come up with is a diffeerence of about $200 between the upgrade (Marlin parts) or aftermarket replacement (NAPA parts). Tire size will stay 31/10.5 for now and it will mainly be an on road truck. The installed calapers are mismatched aftermarket and the MC appears to be original but VERY rusted and a marginal bore so both to be replaced either way, we might save the rotors but not sure as of yet.
Any thoughts would be great! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

OK now to add a twist, can I upgrade the MC only to the 1" from Marlin or will it cause bad breaking balance, there are 10" in the rear, not 8" but they seem to be stock. I have seen reference to '85 models with 8". If I did would the booster work both bolt pateren and capacity?

If I am about to do somthing DUMB <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shiner.gif" alt="" /> here please advise. I have to keep his cost down but also do it right the first time and without any suprises.

Thanks again for all the help. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" />

The stock brakes will work just fine with the 31'' tires you have. I have 37'' tires on my 85 truck and the stock brakes work just fine, but i upgraded the brake booster and master cylinder. I pulled a duel diaphragm brake booster and master cylinder from an 89 two wheel drive toyota truck and swapped it into my truck, it improved my braking quite a bit. I am going to upgrade to vented rotors and V6 calipers in the future, so im starting to gather parts for the swap.

Was that a direct bolt on and how well did it fit (clearance to the steering)?

Thanks

Its a direct swap, it took me about 45 minutes or so to do it, the hardest part for me was getting everything under the dash unbolted.

Well I gave in and made up the difference for him so we went with the complete marlin upgrade, hope it works out.
Now there is a reason to lift and change tire size, need to put the new brakes to work. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Hmmmm... Maybe a lift, new gears, 35's, and some body work. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/evil.gif" alt="" /> He has figured out I am into this as much as he is, not good.