TeraFlex Brakes review / feedback?

[Whaler27]

My forum search produced nothing more recent than 18 months ago, and most of the Google-search results were generated by the manufacturer, so I’m posting to see if anybody has installed the Delta brake kit on a JL. and, if so, what effect it had on braking distances. (I know the kit produced big improvements on the JK, but the JL comes with much better brakes than the JK, so improvement in JK braking doesn’t tell me much about whether its worth it on a JL.)

Also, it looks like the kits may be available again after many months of back order status. Does anybody know if the design changed, or was TeraFlex just unable to manufacture for some reason?

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[Whaler27]

The silence is deafening. I guess nobody is putting these on their JLs?

 

[RedundanT]

I have not updated my brakes..........YET........but will. I will probably go with the PowerStop Z36 as I have had their discs and pads on a GMC VHO Sierra that would EAT brakes at an alarming rate. PowerStop got me over 50K without the annoying brake shimmy.

 

[Whaler27]

I have not updated my brakes..........YET........but will. I will probably go with the PowerStop Z36 as I have had their discs and pads on a GMC VHO Sierra that would EAT brakes at an alarming rate. PowerStop got me over 50K without the annoying brake shimmy.

I’m less worried about long term durability than 1) stopping power/distance and 2) reduced brake fade after sustained and repeated application — like coming down a long grade where engine braking hasn’t been enough to slow me.

It’s possible people aren’t installing these kits because they’re too much money ($2,200). Or maybe it’s because Teraflex wasn’t shipping for most of 2020. Or maybe friends bought the kit in early 2019 and were unimpressed with bang for the buck?

 

[oceanblue2019]

Take a look at Baer - they should have an option for the JL/JT shortly and a top choice.

I avoid teraflex as it's china made shit.

 

[The Last Cowboy]

Is it possibly due to a lack of demand. The optional Heavy Duty brakes on these are pretty impressive for a factory system.

 

[Whaler27]

Is it possibly due to a lack of demand. The optional Heavy Duty brakes on these are pretty impressive for a factory system.

When did heavy duty brakes become optional?

 

[RedundanT]

I think before ANYONE spends 2k on brakes they should give better rotors and pads a try. If you are using your ride for a weekend track car then spending bucks on calipers is a given. A Jeep Wrangler trail rig though is just excessively spending money for pure show and frankly stupid.

 

[Whaler27]

I’ve seen this confusion in past brake discussions where people have opined that better brakes are unnecessary unless you want to build a lot of horsepower.

I guess the assumption is that better brakes are only necessary if you’re aggressively running up and down the speed curve, but the need for braking doesn't have to be related to horsepower or speed in the Jeep environment.

I’m not worried about bleeding off excessive speed developed through horsepower. I’m concerned about:
1) restoring the shorter braking distances I’ve lost as a result of adding significantly more weight and larger tires.
2) reducing the brake fade that comes from sustained braking under heavier weight over a long decent on steep mountain trails. I use engine braking, but the service brakes get a lot of use over 30 or 40 minutes of switchbacks on loose gravel. I can smell my brakes two thirds of the way down, and I drive like the old man I am. That’s what we old guys call “a sign“.

I’ve survived a lot over the years, mostly due to God’s generosity and good luck, I think, but I’ve learned to err on the side of added safety. I suppose I might have considered safety related purchases “stupid” when I was younger, but I’m less confident in my opinions now, and I’m much more aware of my mortality.

it’s funny you mention buying brakes for “show”. I’ve been buying/running/building jeeps and trucks since 1977, and I’ve seen people spend a lot of money for appearances, but buying better brakes has never been on the list of “show off improvements”. Heck, my friends wouldn’t even notice if I replaced my brakes. You must hang out with people who pay more attention to the minutia in your Life. With the exception of my brother, who is also building a Jeep, nobody I know would notice if I replaced my brakes —- and it would strike them as noteworthy if they did. The whole idea is just plan funny.

 

[Whaler27]

Take a look at Baer - they should have an option for the JL/JT shortly and a top choice.

I avoid teraflex as it's china made shit.

That’s disappointing. The made-in-China piece should be enough to kill the sale... I’ll look at Baer — and ask that anybody who has installed the Baer brakes and measured braking improvement also chime in.

 

[RedundanT]

Cheap folks do this. Money is no object folk buy fancy Brembos. Point is yes heavy tires deserve better brakes, that can be accomplished with better rotors and pads for a LOT less money.

 

[Whaler27]

N

Cheap folks do this. Money is no object folk buy fancy Brembos. Point is yes heavy tires deserve better brakes, that can be accomplished with better rotors and pads for a LOT less money.

Are you saying they wear better AND stop better AND fade less over sustained/repeated use. If so, I’m inclined to give it a shot.

 

[RedundanT]

N

Are you saying they wear better AND stop better AND fade less obed sustained/repeated use. If so, I’m inclined to give it a shot.

Yes.

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