| Test Drive, What's the Verdict???? [message #114547] |
Tue, 08 February 2011 11:35  |
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WD0AFQ
Messages: 7111
Registered: November 2004
Location: Dexter, Mo.
Karma:
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Senior Member |
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Ok, so I got to test drive the coach this morning. Rolled out of here onto Kato Drive. Nice braking when I pulled up to stop sign. Cruised on up north to the 880 on ramp. I stepped on the brake a little harder, great. Here is what is weird: When I had brakes if I stomped them the back end shoved the nose of the GMC down. This is hard to get used to, the coach now "squats" in the rear. When I get a couple of hundred miles on the pads I will stomp the brakes, not now. So, I pull out on 880 south. 70 mph, take hands off wheel, it keeps going straight down the road, just like when I got here with the old steering. My requirement on the frontend was that it had better be as good as it was when I got here, it is. There was no way they could improve on my steering. Donny, here at Applied, had already given us "as perfect as we could get" steering. Our coach still will turn on a dime like it did before. I puposely jumped into some ruts on 880. No wander. Front wheels and rears are now in line. It looks good that way too. So, I pull off 880 and hit a couple of red lights. I can just roll right up to the bumper of the car ahead of me now and know I will stop. I had to plan my stops before, even when I had good brakes. This is going to take me a bit of time to get used to but I like it.I can now ride the bumpers of those that pull out in front of me. Just kidding. Teri did not like that statement. 
We did the frontend to have it ready for later. I mean, I wanted to be able to replace a bearing myself in my own driveway with no special tools. This bearing is big also, compared to old one. I would call it massive. Anyway I can get one at any GM place or parts store along the road if I need to.
We did not do the frontend to make it drive better.
I wanted some brakes that were also easy to care for and that would work when I touched the pedal. I got them now. I like the feel of the reaction arm squatting the rear end down. Makes me know I got brakes. Exactly what we wanted.
I think the cost of the reaction arm is expensive, not necessarily excessive, but I know why that is. If the numbers go up maybe the price will come down. Someone has done a lot of "thinking" to come up with this idea. I am no mechanic but I feel that they hit it right on the head. I can not give you numbers on a stopping distance. I know that is what folks are looking for. I had basically front brakes only when I rolled into this shop so I could not tell you anything except I was brakeless. I can compare the feel of the brakes to when I had good drum brakes, no comparison.
The frontend price and the rear disc price are in line with what I would expect.
I will tell you more when I get back to Quartzsite or over to Duncan.
3 In Stainless Exhaust Headers
One Ton All Discs/Reaction Arm
355 FD/Quad Bag/Alum Radiator Manny Tran/New eng.
Holley EFI/10 Tire Air Monitoring System
Solarized Coach/Upgraded Windows
Satelite TV/On Demand Hot Water/3Way Refer
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