Upgrade Brakes To Stop Faster, Last Longer

Upgrade Brakes To Stop Faster, Last Longer PICKUPS Accessories 33-4-38 If you pull heavy loads with a truck or van, Off Road Unlimited has a brake upgrade for you. Both rotors and pads are specially designed to give extended brake life and extra stopping power. "I've been building brake systems for 42 years for everything from race cars to the catapults on aircraft carriers," says Warren Gilliland, known as "The Brakeman". "I apply a thermal process to stabilize the material and toughen it to tolerate more heat and handle a more aggressive brake pad." Gilliland's process is different from cryogenically treated rotors. While they treat the rotor surface, his affects the entire rotor. His brake pads are also thermal-treated. In addition, his rotors are slotted to release hot gasses. Gilliland's brakes have been installed on ambulances and fire department equipment in California, extending brake life four to five times normal. "They're going 40 mph through traffic and have reduced their stopping distance from 100 ft. to 70," says Gilliland. "That's a car length and could prevent an accident." He makes brake systems for every 3/4 and 1-ton truck as well as most 1/2-ton pickups. He also sells a lot of them to owners of Toyota Tundras and Nissan Titans and Armadas. "The Titans and Armadas have big problems with their brakes. Owners have had to go back to their dealerships continually for new rotors and pads," says Gilliland. "We can do any rotor. We just need a source for good quality castings to begin with." Gilliland markets his brake kit upgrades through distributors and dealers like Off Road Unlimited. An upgrade kit for a Ford F-250, F-350 or Excursion is priced at $1,058.58. Each kit contains two front and two rear direct replacement rotors and pads. He also makes custom kits for anyone with a special need. "A lot of vehicles used on farms carry loads that would be obscene on the highway," notes Gilliland. "There are a lot of things we can do to help." He invites FARM SHOW readers to visit his website (www.thebrakeman.com) and review some of the technical papers he has posted. They explain in detail how brake systems work along with other information of interest. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Off Road Unlimited, 300 N. Victory Blvd., Burbank, Calif. 91504 (ph 818 563-1208; toll free 888 365-0244; www.offroadunlimited.com).

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