Big Brake Kits Guide
Best Big Brake Kits for the
2019 – 2026 Ram 3500: Every Kit Compared
A complete comparison of every big brake kit available for the 2019-2026 Ram 3500 heavy-duty truck — covering fifth-gen HD models. Wilwood TX6-DM and TX6R front and rear kits. Stopping power, noise, pricing, and fitment for towing and hauling.
At a Glance
Quick Comparison
| Brand / Kit | Stopping Power | Noise | Performance Over Stock | Dust | Fits | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wilwood TX6-DM Front | Excellent | Quiet | Excellent | — | 2019-2026 Ram 2500/3500 |
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| Wilwood TX6R Rear | Excellent | Quiet | Excellent | High | 2019-2025 Ram 2500/3500 |
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| Wilwood TX6R Front | Excellent | Quiet | Excellent | — | 2019-2026 Ram 2500/3500 |
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Important
What to Know Before You Buy
5th-Gen HD Fitment
All kits in this guide fit 2019-2026 Ram 3500 (and 2500). The TX6R Rear kit is specific to 2019-2025; front kits cover the full range. Same brake geometry across fifth-gen heavy-duty Rams.
Wheel Size Requirements
TX6-DM uses 15" rotors; TX6R uses larger slotted rotors. Ram 3500 typically came with 17" or 18" wheels. Verify clearance with your specific wheels before buying.
Heavy-Duty Use
Ram 3500 is built for maximum towing and hauling. Big brake kits improve fade resistance and stopping power under load. All kits maintain compatibility with factory ABS.
Brake Fluid & Bedding
Flush brake fluid when installing. Follow the bedding procedure for optimal performance. Wilwood offers Black or Red calipers for all kits.
Wilwood TX6-DM Front Big Brake Kit
The Wilwood TX6-DM Front Big Brake Kit is engineered for 2011-2026 Ram 2500 and 3500 heavy-duty trucks. Six-piston direct-mount calipers with 15" slotted rotors deliver excellent stopping power and fade resistance. Black or Red calipers. USA-made.
Best value for fifth-gen Ram 3500 owners. Ideal for towing, hauling, and off-road use. Bolt-on design; no spindle modifications required. Full compatibility with factory brake system.
Pros
- Lowest price in this guide
- Quiet operation
- USA-made
- Bolt-on, no spindle mods
Cons
- 15" rotors vs. TX6R’s larger size
Wilwood TX6R Front Big Brake Kit
The Wilwood TX6R Front Big Brake Kit is the top-tier option for 2011-2026 Ram 2500 and 3500. Six-piston radial-mount calipers with large slotted rotors deliver excellent stopping power and heat dissipation. Black or Red calipers. USA-made.
Largest rotors in the Wilwood lineup for heavy-duty Rams. Best for sustained towing, heavy payloads, and demanding off-road use. Same bolt-on design as TX6-DM.
Pros
- Largest rotors for Ram 2500/3500
- Quiet operation
- USA-made
- Radial-mount design
Cons
- Higher price than TX6-DM
Wilwood TX6R Rear Big Brake Kit
The Wilwood TX6R Rear Big Brake Kit completes the upgrade for 2019-2025 Ram 2500 and 3500. Six-piston radial-mount calipers with 15"–16" GT-60 rotors deliver balanced front-rear braking. Uses OE parking brake assembly. Black or Red calipers.
Pair with TX6R or TX6-DM front for a full big brake setup. Ideal for heavy towing and hauling where rear fade is a concern. Volume-matched for factory power brake output.
Pros
- Only rear big brake kit for 5th-gen HD Rams
- Pairs with front kits for balanced setup
- USA-made
- OE parking brake compatible
Cons
- Higher dust than front kits
Fitment Reference
Which Kits Fit Your Vehicle?
| Vehicle | Wilwood TX6-DM | Wilwood TX6R Front | Wilwood TX6R Rear |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ram 2500 2019-2026 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ram 3500 2019-2026 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
✓ = 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?
Ram 3500 typically came with 17" or 18" wheels. Both Wilwood kits use rotors that require adequate clearance. Verify with your specific wheels before buying.
What's the difference between TX6-DM and TX6R?
TX6-DM uses direct-mount calipers and 15" rotors. TX6R uses radial-mount calipers and larger rotors. TX6R offers more heat capacity and stopping power at a higher price.
Should I get the rear kit too?
For heavy towing or hauling, pairing the TX6R Rear with a front kit provides balanced braking and reduces rear fade. For lighter use, front-only is often sufficient.
Ready to Upgrade Your Ram 3500 Brakes?
Compare all three kits above and order with confidence. Need help? Contact us.
