Crane Axle Lightweight Wilwood 8 x 6.5" Rear Brake Kit - 6-Piston
CA01051R-6
The Crane Axle Wilwood 13.5" Rear Brake Kit is a lightweight, high-performance disc brake package designed for custom rear axle assemblies in rock crawlers, rock bouncers, Ultra4 race cars, prerunners, trail rigs, and other high-performance off-road builds. Built around Wilwood Forged Dynalite six-piston calipers and 13.5" vented rotors, the system provides strong rear braking performance without the weight of a traditional heavy-duty one-ton brake package.
The combination of machined 6061 aluminum brake hats, Wilwood vented rotors, and six-piston calipers reduces rotating and unsprung weight while providing the braking leverage and heat capacity needed for large tires and aggressive off-road use. Weld-on caliper brackets allow the brake system to be integrated into compatible custom rear axle assemblies while supporting both 8 on 6.5" and 8 on 170mm wheel bolt patterns.
Includes:
- (2) Weld-On Caliper Brackets
- (2) Wilwood Forged Dynalite 6-Piston Calipers
- (2) 13.5" Vented Wilwood Rotors
- (2) Crane Axle 6061 Aluminum Brake Hats
- (1) Set of Brake Pads
- Installation Hardware
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Crane Axle / Wilwood |
| Product Type | Rear Disc Brake Kit |
| Axle Position | Rear |
| Calipers | Wilwood Forged Dynalite 6-Piston |
| Rotor Diameter | 13.5" |
| Rotor Style | Vented |
| Brake Hat Material | Machined 6061 Aluminum |
| Caliper Brackets | Laser-Cut 3/8" Steel |
| Caliper Bracket Installation | Weld-On |
| Wheel Bolt Patterns | 8 on 6.5" and 8 on 170mm |
| Piston Area (Per Caliper) | 4.80 sq. in. |
| Rotor Hardware | Safety-Wire Ready Bolts |
| Primary Application | Custom Rear Axle Brake Systems |
Fitment
Designed For:
- Custom rear axle assemblies
- Rear axles using compatible 8-lug wheel hubs
- 8 on 6.5" wheel bolt patterns
- 8 on 170mm wheel bolt patterns
- Custom fabricated rear brake conversions
Common Applications:
- Rock crawlers
- Rock bouncers
- Ultra4 race cars
- Prerunners
- Trail buggies
- Custom tube chassis vehicles
- Heavy-duty off-road axle builds
Fitment Notes
- Caliper brackets are weld-on and require proper positioning and welding during installation.
- Verify rear hub and axle configuration before ordering.
- Verify wheel diameter, wheel backspacing, and inside barrel clearance for the six-piston calipers and 13.5" rotors.
- Brake hat bolt pattern must match the wheel hub configuration.
- Final caliper bracket placement must properly center the caliper over the rotor.
- Brake hose routing must allow full suspension travel without stretching, binding, or contacting moving components.
- Verify master cylinder sizing, front-to-rear brake balance, and overall hydraulic system compatibility before operation.
FAQ
Why use a six-piston caliper on the rear axle?
The Wilwood six-piston caliper provides strong, consistent clamping force across the brake pad while giving high-performance off-road builds the braking capacity needed for large tires and repeated hard braking. Proper front-to-rear brake balance must still be considered when designing the complete braking system.
What are the advantages of 13.5" rear brake rotors?
A larger-diameter rotor increases mechanical braking leverage and provides additional surface area for managing heat. The vented rotor design also helps dissipate heat during repeated braking on steep terrain, high-speed sections, and competition use.
Why does this kit use aluminum brake hats?
The machined 6061 aluminum hats reduce rotating and unsprung weight compared with a heavy one-piece rotor assembly. Reducing weight at the axle helps the suspension respond more effectively to changing terrain while retaining a large 13.5" braking surface.
Will this rear brake kit clear every wheel?
No. The six-piston calipers and 13.5" rotors require adequate wheel diameter and inside barrel clearance. Wheel diameter, backspacing, hub configuration, and caliper clearance should all be verified before installation.
Are the caliper brackets bolt-on?
No. This rear brake kit uses weld-on caliper brackets. The brackets must be properly positioned so the caliper is centered over the rotor before final welding. Proper fabrication and welding are critical to brake alignment and performance.
Do I need to consider front-to-rear brake bias?
Yes. Rear caliper piston area and rotor diameter affect the overall brake balance of the vehicle. Master cylinder sizing, front brake configuration, vehicle weight distribution, tire size, and intended use should all be considered when setting up the complete braking system.
