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I realized that my question needed to be more specific. I got some very good replies but they also let to more questions. It looks like a simple fix is not worth the time or money and I should really do this right the first time.
Q1 - are the front and rear rotors different sizes?
Q2 - are the calipers different front to rear?
Q3 - can braided steel hoses improve pedal pressure?
Q4 - with a limited budget, should I focus on the front or rear first to gain the most improvement?
Braided hose will only help if you current hoses are spongy and worn out. The front brakes do most of the work on these cars. The rears just kind of go along for the ride for the most part. There is a great writeup by Qwktrip on characterizing the brakes and biasing on these cars. The front and rear calipers are different as well as the rotors. The stock fronts are part of the wheel bearing assembly.
1. About 99.999% odds they are different: fronts are most likely 10½" or so, rears are just under 12"
2. Yes... not least, no parking brake system on the fronts
3. Generally yes; whether the difference would be really "noticeable" is uncertain; as already said, if your rubber ones are clapped out, stainless ones can be a massive improvement
Your Budget will dictate what you can do. Big Brakes cost Big Bucks.
If you are having brake issues and want to do more than just fix the existing system I had good luck with the Power Stop brake kit. I used the Z23 or Z26 kit with powder coated calipers and the drilled and slotted rotors. I also used SS brake lines from Russel. It is stock size stuff but it made a big improvement in the stopping power and overall pedal feel. This was a few years back and I got bearings also and the whole thing was under $500 and was able to do the work myself.
My rears are drum brakes so I just re shoed them.
Yes, front and rear are different everything. You probably don't need braided steel hoses as much as you need new hoses, AC Delcos will work fine. Fronts take the majority of the braking load, I would recommend starting there and replacing everything from the soft lines forward with brand new name brand gear. Top quality stock replacement parts are still very affordable and easy to get for these cars.
