Jeff B

I do have the canister. Any idea what it does or if I can tell if it is bad?

I've read a few articles and I'm seriously considering it.

Who makes 14" rotor kits for the rear that fit an 04 SS with stock calipers? I have seen some 14" kits out there, but I'm pretty sure they are thinner rotors and not sure if they will work with the stock SS rear calipers. Thanks

Are you talking about the brake booster between the master and the firewall? Or is there a separate canister nearby? No I didn't mean lock up all fours. But in my other cars you can feel when the ABS kicks in and there is usually a shudder to the pedal as the brake controller modulates line pressure. I'm just not getting that with this truck. In a hard stop I just get a soft pedal and the truck eventually stops. I would think I would be able to feel the inception of lockup. I'll look under the hood tonight and see what is there.

Yes, Stock rotors

I have had my 2004 AWD SS for 3 years now and have never been happy with the brakes. My major complaints are: - Can't lock the brakes. - I hear a SHHH sound and get a squishy feel as I press the pedal with the engine running. I assume this is the booster doing something. I get a very firm pedal that doesn't move with the engine off, so I don't think there are any leaks. I also looked all around the calipers and lines and saw no leaks. Level is good in the master. - If I'm stopped at a light, I can push the pedal down far enough to where it feels like I hit a mechanical stop. - Can't do a brake stand. From a stop, with the pedal to the floor and foot on the gas, the car slowly rolls forward. Last year I installed braided lines and Hawk pads all around thinking that would help. It did help some, but I still have the same symptoms, I just get a bit more bite when I first step on the brakes.

Yup to those that said it. The front is supposed to ride on the bump stops because it is a torsion bar suspension. It basically makes the front progressively stiffer the more you compress it. Your problem may also be the rear. Mine was lowered 3.5" in the back and the rear axle was sitting on the bump stop. I drove from SoCal to Seattle like that and my back was killing me when I arrived. I took out the bracket for the rear bump stop and attacned the bump stop directly to the frame. This gave me about 2" of clearance between the bump stop and the axle. The ride difference was amazing and the truck handles much better.

I'm going to try to make it. I'm up in Everett on business, but if I am home (Gig Harbor) by then, I'll be there. I'd love to bring the 1970 Corvette, but the SSS is in some serious need of a good detailing. I'll probably bring the truck so I can ask some detailed (pun intended) questions.

I thought the powerslots were the 19mm thick ones not the 28mm ones like stock.

Who makes 14" or 15" rotors for the rear of the AWD's? Thanks

On the AWD, you can't get much lower than 2 in the front without having vibration or binding issues. I have the McGaughy's spindles and lowered it more with the torsion bars. Had some pretty bad vibratoin at 70ish. Raised the front back up about 1/2" and now its good. I'd guess I am about 2.5" drop in the front now.

If you are looking at an AWD, you can't go much more than 2.5" in the front. I have the McGaughy's 2/3.5 kit on mine with spindles, hangers and shackles. Rides nice. I decranked the torsion bars a bit and lowered the front an additional inch only to have some vibrations around 70. I raised the front back up about 1/2" and no more vibrations. Here's a couple pictures of mine. http://home.comcast.net/~baconjb/ss.html

OK, I am really confused. What is the correct part number for rear Hawk pads for an 04? I've seen a few different numbers posted here and don't want to order the wrong ones. HB496Z-640 (Hawk website for escalade AWD) HB385Z-640 (Posted here) HB324Z-673 (Hawk website)

Thanks, I wonder if it is even worth doing anything with the e-brake?

OK, I am going to be getting a boat in the near future and I don't think my spongy brakes are going to hack it. 2004 AWD SS with 60K miles. My plan is to do 14" powerslot rotors in the front, new pads all around and stainless lines, but have a few questions. What pads would be a good match for the powerslot fronts? Which stainless lines fit the best or should I have some custom made at the local hydraulic shop to match the stock rubber ones? I would also like to take care of the e-brake while I am at it. Right now the ebrake pedal goes to the floor and barely does anything. Is there a kit for this? New shoes? Not entirely sure how the ebrake works, but I am assuming it is the same as my corvette with a drum ebrake inside the rotor. Thanks