Thread: Brake Pads

I have a 96 PSD 4x4 CC and need to do the front pads. I was wondering which ones to get. The original owner told me to use a specific brand and wanted to get your guys thoughts. I only use this truck for towing and wanted to get the best available. Thanks

well i would stay away from them life time pads.. i think there so hard that ya they last but the rotors get eaten up.. an i would rater replace pads then rotors..

It takes a lot more than just pads to have the best in brakes. I use PowerSlot rotors and Hawk pads in my truck. That is pretty much the best combo for a stock size application.

I like the hawk. There are different compounds to choose from.

As crazy as this sounds Ford OEM Pads tend to be the best. (not Motorcraft, Fords OEM knock-offs)

My good friend years ago tried a variety of different pads on his fleet of F250's and F350's and found the OEM's worked the best. I did the same back a few years ago and came to the same conclusion. Its my understanding that the OEMS are a Ceramic Composite material.

Also Mattymx has a good point, its not just the pads. Turned Rotors make a huge difference, also Calipers. It you have 150,000+ miles on your truck and its done a lot of stop and go and heavy payload driving its time to also replace the entire Caliper assemply, or at least rebuild it with new pistons, orings and seals, etc... Usually cheaper to just replace them.

I've always had good luck with oem (not Motorcraft) pads as well. But if I were going to replace the whole brake system, including calipers and rotors, I'd look at the aftermarket to see what's out there. I do hear good things about Hawk as well, so it seems you can't go wrong either way. . .