Big Brake Kits Guide
Best Big Brake Kits for the
2011 – 2018 Ram 1500: Every Kit Compared
A complete comparison of every big brake kit available for the 2011-2018 Ram 1500 — covering fourth-gen models. Wilwood Aero6-DM, TX6R, Aero4 rear, Baer Extreme. Front and rear kits for 2WD and 4WD. Stopping power, noise, dust, pricing, and fitment.
At a Glance
Quick Comparison
| Brand / Kit | Stopping Power | Noise | Performance Over Stock | Dust | Fits | Price | |
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| Wilwood Aero6-DM Front | Excellent | Quiet | Excellent | — | 2013-2018 2WD |
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| Wilwood Aerolite 6R Front | Very Good | Moderate | Very Good | Moderate | 2011-2018 4WD |
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| Wilwood Aero4 Rear | Excellent | Quiet | Excellent | — | 2011-2018 Ram 1500 |
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| Wilwood TX6R Front | Excellent | Quiet | Excellent | — | 2013-2018 2WD |
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| Baer 15" Extreme Front | Excellent | Moderate | Excellent | Low | 2011-2018 Ram 1500 |
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| Baer Extreme+ 15" Front | Excellent | Moderate | Excellent | Low | 2011-2018 Ram 1500 |
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Important
What to Know Before You Buy
2WD vs. 4WD Fitment
Wilwood Aero6-DM and TX6R front kits fit 2WD only (2013-2018). The Aerolite 6R fits 4WD models. Baer Extreme fits both 2WD and 4WD. Verify your drivetrain before ordering.
Wheel Size Requirements
Wilwood kits use 13.38" to 16" rotors; Baer uses 15". The Ram 1500 typically came with 17" or 18" wheels. Verify clearance with your specific wheels before buying.
Front vs. Rear Kits
Front-only upgrades handle most stopping force. The Wilwood Aero4 rear kit complements front upgrades for balanced braking. Pair Aero6-DM or TX6R front with Aero4 rear for a full setup.
Brake Fluid & Bedding
Flush brake fluid when installing. Follow the bedding procedure for optimal performance. Wilwood offers Slotted, Drilled, or Drilled & Slotted rotor options; Baer offers Slotted, Drilled & Slotted, or Plain.
Wilwood Aero6-DM Front Big Brake Kit
The Wilwood Aero6-DM Front Big Brake Kit is engineered for the 2013-2018 Ram 1500 2WD. Six-piston direct-mount calipers with 13.38" slotted rotors deliver excellent stopping power and fade resistance. Choose from Slotted, Drilled, or Drilled & Slotted rotors; Black or Red calipers. USA-made.
Lowest-priced front kit in this guide. Ideal for towing, hauling, and off-road use. 2WD only — 4WD owners need the Aerolite 6R. Full compatibility with factory ABS and master cylinder.
Pros
- Lowest price in this guide
- Quiet operation
- USA-made
- Rotor options (Slotted, Drilled, D&S)
Cons
- 2WD only (2013-2018)
- Smaller rotors than TX6R
Wilwood Aerolite 6R Front Big Brake Kit
The Wilwood Aerolite 6R Front Big Brake Kit is designed for 2011-2018 Ram 1500 4WD models. Six-piston calipers with 13.38" drilled and slotted rotors deliver very good stopping power. Fits 5x5.50" bolt pattern. USA-made.
The only front big brake kit in this guide that fits 4WD Rams. If you have a 4x4, this is your option. Moderate noise and dust levels; excellent value for 4WD owners.
Pros
- Only front kit for 4WD
- Competitive price
- USA-made
Cons
- Moderate noise vs. Aero6-DM
- Moderate dust levels
Wilwood Aero4 Rear Big Brake Kit
The Wilwood Aero4 Rear Big Brake Kit replaces the factory rear disc brakes on 2011-2018 Ram 1500 trucks. Four-piston calipers with 15" slotted rotors integrate with the OE parking brake. Black or Red calipers. USA-made.
Pairs with Wilwood front kits for balanced braking. Ideal for trucks with larger wheels, towing, or suspension mods. Integrates with factory parking brake.
Pros
- OE parking brake compatible
- Quiet operation
- USA-made
Cons
- Rear only — pair with front kit
Wilwood TX6R Front Big Brake Kit
The Wilwood TX6R Front Big Brake Kit is the top-tier Wilwood option for 2013-2018 Ram 1500 2WD. Six-piston radial-mount calipers with 16" slotted rotors deliver excellent stopping power and heat management. Black or Red calipers. USA-made.
Largest rotors in the Wilwood lineup for this application. Best for towing, heavy loads, and spirited driving. 2WD only; pairs with Aero4 rear for a complete setup.
Pros
- 16" rotors — largest Wilwood option
- Quiet operation
- USA-made
Cons
- 2WD only
- Higher price than Aero6-DM
Baer 15" Extreme Front Big Brake Kit
The Baer 15" Extreme Front Big Brake Kit fits 2002-2024 Dodge Ram 1500, including 2011-2018. Six-piston monoblock calipers with 15" two-piece rotors. Choose Slotted Only, Drilled & Slotted, or Plain. USA-made in Phoenix, AZ.
Fits both 2WD and 4WD. Lowest dust levels among Baer options. Best value for Ram owners who want USA-made quality and wide year coverage without Brembo pricing.
Pros
- Fits 2WD and 4WD
- Low dust levels
- USA-made
- Wide year coverage (2002-2024)
Cons
- Moderate noise vs. Extreme+
Baer Extreme+ 15" Front Big Brake Kit
The Baer Extreme+ 15" Front Big Brake Kit builds on the Extreme with powder-coated calipers and upgraded rotor finishes. Fire Red, Hugger Orange, Grabber Blue, Monster Green, Comp Yellow. Same 6-piston monoblock design and 15" rotors. USA-made.
For owners who want the Baer performance with a more aggressive look. Some color options rate Very Quiet for noise. Fits 2WD and 4WD.
Pros
- Color options (Fire Red, Hugger Orange, etc.)
- Some colors rate Very Quiet
- USA-made
Cons
- Higher price than base Extreme
Fitment Reference
Which Kits Fit Your Vehicle?
| Vehicle / Drivetrain | Aero6-DM | Aerolite 6R | Aero4 Rear | TX6R | Baer Extreme | Baer Extreme+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ram 1500 2011-2012 | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ram 1500 2013-2018 2WD | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ram 1500 2013-2018 4WD | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
✓ = Confirmed • ✗ = Excluded • — = Not tested
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need new brake fluid when installing big brake kits?
Yes. Flush and replace brake fluid when installing big brake kits. Old fluid can contain moisture and reduce brake performance. Use fresh DOT 3 or DOT 4 fluid.
Will big brake kits fit my stock wheels?
Most kits use 13" to 16" rotors. The Ram 1500 typically came with 17" or 18" wheels. Verify clearance with your specific wheels before buying.
I have a 4WD Ram. What are my options?
Wilwood Aero6-DM and TX6R fit 2WD only. For 4WD, use the Wilwood Aerolite 6R front kit or Baer Extreme/Extreme+. The Wilwood Aero4 rear fits both 2WD and 4WD.
What's the difference between Aero6-DM and TX6R?
Aero6-DM uses 13.38" rotors and direct-mount calipers; TX6R uses 16" rotors and radial-mount calipers. TX6R offers more stopping power and heat capacity at a higher price.
Ready to Upgrade Your Ram 1500 Brakes?
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