Mechanic says front brakes seizing up...ideas?

[Astrodokk]

He sent me these pics of “my” new parts...

[Chinnin-about]

He does have a brand new 2019 E-450 front end that he will sell me

This makes so much sense, I hope they keep up a supply of these newer front ends. I have a feeling more Chinook owners are going to want one.

[chin_k]

Astro, is the front end "brand new" or brand-new? The rotors look pretty much covered with rust in the photos, so it must be on the truck for a long time already. (Not that I mind that much for surface rust, but just don't want to hear it is "brand new" if you know what I am complaining about.)

[Scott]

Astro, is the front end "brand new" or brand-new? The rotors look pretty much covered with rust in the photos, so it must be on the truck for a long time already. (Not that I mind that much for surface rust, but just don't want to hear it is "brand new" if you know what I am complaining about.)

Rust? On the rotors? That's just fine. It's actually a good sign since it indicates that there isn't a slathering of rust inhibitor in need of removal. Cast iron rusts, and will continue to do so for the useful life of the component. Braking will not be affected.

I'm more concerned about the words "heavy duty pads."

And the idea of skipping bearing replacement at this level of disassembly is dollar dumb, unless they're perfect.

[chin_k]

Heat from the seized caliper probably ruined the bearing, so it maybe a good excuse. I was just complaining about the use of the description "brand new" when the rotors are rusted, and the cost of replacing the caliper.

[Blue~Go]

I thought I posted this, but now I don't see it.

Anyway, nothing super exciting, because I was remiss in taking enough/decent photos, but here are a couple of pics of the new front end parts and brakes. These happen to be 2014 parts (this was done in 2014) but any after the 2008-2009 time-frame have the re-designed and heavier suspension and brake parts. Yep, still swooning over the brakes every time I stop (especially at a yellow light or other quick stop).

[Astrodokk]

I agree with Scott that if that first brake job would have been done, the bearings would be a no brainer that should be replaced as well while at it.

But it's a moot point now because I just paid for a new 2019 (includes surface rust) E-450 front end from Quadvan, to be delivered to Les Schwab in Portland for installation. This comes with all those parts new, and includes Bilstein shocks. The owner, John, was very helpful in explaining things to me.

I will be buying a Roadmaster 1 3/8" moly front anti sway bar to add to it. I will be reusing the coils and wheels.

This will be done mid May, so I have time to tweak a few things prior, like deciding on getting two new front tires to match the new ones in the rear.
The fronts are 4 years old but I kind of like things to be equal. If I do, I have been reading about folks who change these front tires out for some that are not as wide but a tad taller, which is good for tracking through snow and mud I think. I'm considering that too, although they wouldn't be a direct match to the rears.

Anyway, I'm excited about having this done for about the same price that a stock brake job would have cost. Thanks all for your opinions and suggestions. Also, thanks to Blue for being the initiator of this type of mod from what I can tell. It makes sense to me.

[eporter123]

Any update on this? A friend may need front end work on an E350 here in Portland. Which Les schwab and what mechanic? Thanks.

[Astrodokk]

I did have the 2000 E-350 front end replaced with a 2019 E-450 front end that I bought from Quadvan for $600.
Paid the Les Schwab in Portland on Main and 7th to have it installed. Unfortunately, the mechanic had only done one previously so was not as fast as Quadvan would have been, and they charged me for 8 hours labor.
I really like the improved brakes and handling with the newer parts, but if I had to do it over again, I would have kept it stock so that in the future, I wouldn’t have to tell mechanics a different year for the front end. I know that’s not a big deal, but I think I could have lived with OEM design well enough, even though it was lacking.
I have all the old E-350 parts of your friend wants to repair something but keep it stock. PM me for details if you want.

[eporter123]

Thanks for the info. I'm guessing 7th & Main is the 633 NE Broadway location? I was all set to do this when I still had a Chinook... Mainly lurking on here as I miss them. Awhile back I paid ~$1300 to have a bunch of front end work done on my '97 E350 ambulance. Tie rods, brake calipers, bearing service, ball joints, etc. I think it would've been great to spend a little bit more and replace it all with like-new, AND have the improved braking/handling/engineering. Please do post back in awhile and let us know how it's working out.