pipefitter

After a search for OEM pads, I've given up. What are good quality, low-dust pads? I have something from Advance on it now.

NJTman

Very happy with Wagner premium pads, they have the pad material molded through the steel, creating a integral shim, preventing caliper to pad squeak. They stop extremely well.

They're not cheap.

texasprd

It depends on what you're using the truck for. If it's a daily driver, you may be happy with ceramic pads - they are supposed to be low-dust. I think I have Wagner or Raybestos ceramics on mine and they do fine. My brother likes Akebonos on his gasser.

If you're towing or hauling regularly, I'd stay with high quality semi-metallics and realize the dust comes with the territory.

Interested to see what recommendations others make...

pipefitter

Thanks for the replies. It does some light duty towing from time to time, but generally a daily driver. Where did you guys find the Wagners?

GSP7

I have the Autozone Duralast semi metalics on my CTD right now. I change them way before the get to thin. Probably get wagners next.

I put wagners on my 81 chevy k20 last time

My research on ceramics is, they wear out the rotors faster

.

texasprd

I probably got them at OReillys - but right now OR only shows semi-metallic under Wagner. Looks like RockAuto has several flavors of Wagner - be sure to check the vehicle weight on the pad listing.

If you have an independent store near you, those are often good places to check for name brands and get away from chain-store branded parts

texasprd

Interesting - the research I did before going to ceramics says the opposite. I have read that early ceramic pads and poor-quality rotors did lead in the past to increased rotor wear, but (according to what I read) that is no longer the case if you use good pads and good rotors. Semi-metallics have a better heat range, but they are more rotor-abrasive and a daily driver doesn't really need that increased heat capability

Midnite

I do prefer either semi-metallic or carbon metallic. It's more stopping power than you need for a daily driver, but there are times that I tow or haul moderate loads, so I use pads appropriate for that instead of daily driver. The last thing I want is to have nice soft pads that are great for daily driving, but suddenly become inadequate when I need to haul something.

I've had good luck with NAPA premium and Performance Friction. I haven't tried the Wagner premium, but I've heard nothing but good things about them, and also about Raybestos semi-metallic.

I think the really important thing is never go with a cheap economy pad.

NJTman

Where do you buy "good rotors" today? Last time this was discussed, it seemed as though all rotors are made in China. Would be nice to know of an American company to buy quality rotors from.

texasprd

Some of the high-performance rotors (Wilwood, Brembo) may be made here - out of my price range, so I haven't looked at their COOs. I think NJTman is correct about all OE-replacement rotors coming from China. I think you just need to look for a respectable manufacturer in that case ( Wagner, Raybestos, Bendix, Centric...). I have NAPA premium (whatever they call them) rotors on a couple of my trucks - no problems.

Kerley

RockAuto.com

VADSLRAM

brakewarehouse.com

Not the cheapest but 3 of my vehicles have rotors and or pads from them. last well, stop well and neatly galvanized so they don't rust out completely after stream crossings.

SIXSLUG

Napa stock pads and rotors..