If you have EGR brakes, please lend me your comments

[TomGolden]

Howdy all,

When I loaded up the TDR this morning, I noticed the top headline about the new EGR web site. I have been very interested in EGR brake upgrades for a couple years now, and so I went to see what they are offering.

For the do it yerselfer, it looks like I can get Package "C" which is around $1100 per axle. Of course I would do both axles, so double the cost.

I have a couple questions for those of you who have the EGR brakes, and especially if you did the install yourself, as I know at least a couple of you have.

Please bear in mind that I have a 2001, which means I already have 4 wheel disc brakes, I would not need to do a rear wheel conversion from brake shoes.

1. Which type of rotor would be better: the slotted or cross drilled, and what are the advantages of each type of rotor?

2. In doing this yourself, are there any special tools needed that an average garage mechanic may not have in the old Craftsman toolbox? DO I need a wheel or bearing puller, for example? Any extra large sockets maybe?

3. I have replaced disc brake pads before, on other vehicles, but never anything as advanced as entire rotor replacement. Realistically, is this a job that I can do myself, or would it be at or beyond the limit or experience level of someone like me? I have changed my own lift pump, replaced the rear seal on my Xfer case, installed my DOR bumper and DSS steering stabilizer all myself. I just don't want to get in over my head and get the thing apart and not be able to get it back together. Kinda hard to drive to work that way...

Any other comments anyone would like to pass along would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Tom