Needing new brake pads. I want OEM or Better.

[TMyers]

My 2013 2500 CTD is about ready for new pads, both front and rear. I've gotten 115K miles out of the original OEM pads. I tow 3 different trailers. A 12K lb. 5th Wheel, a 18' car hauler and a enclosed cargo trailer. I use my exhaust brake and tow/haul 100% of the time.

What pads are you folks using? Not really looking to change the rotors unless the upgrade would be worth the extra money.

Where's the best place to get them?

Thanks for the help!

 

[LandShark]

After doing some internet research last year, I bought ACDelco PRO pads, on Amazon.

 

[AH64ID]

I plan to get the EBC Extra Duty Truck pads when the time comes.

 

[Whitewolf]

I installed Power Stop Z36 rotors, calipers and pads in my '14 because of towing and what I read about them.
https://www.powerstop.com/product/power-stop-z36-brake-kit-calipers/

 

[AH64ID]

I installed Power Stop Z36 rotors, calipers and pads in my '14 because of towing and what I read about them.
https://www.powerstop.com/product/power-stop-z36-brake-kit-calipers/

How do they work?

From what I’ve researched drilled and vented rotors are for race cars and not tow rigs. You only want them on rigs where the brakes get HOT, and if they aren’t HOT the braking is reduced due to the decreased surface area. There seems to be some pretty good science behind it.

 

[seafish]

My 2013 2500 CTD is about ready for new pads, both front and rear. I've gotten 115K miles out of the original OEM pads. I tow 3 different trailers. A 12K lb. 5th Wheel, a 18' car hauler and a enclosed cargo trailer. I use my exhaust brake and tow/haul 100% of the time.

Sorry to be the guy that answers a question with a question (LOL)...

But given its use, it looks like your truck has done REALLY well with the OEM Mopar Premium pads...

Why not just buy them again ??

 

[AH64ID]

Sorry to be the guy that answers a question with a question (LOL)...

But given its use, it looks like your truck has done REALLY well with the OEM Mopar Premium pads...

Why not just buy them again ??

It’s been a while since I researched the OEM pads, but I recall the off the shelf Mopar Premium pads not being the same as the OE pads. From what I found you couldn’t buy the exact pads used on the assembly line.

 

[seafish]

It’s been a while since I researched the OEM pads, but I recall the off the shelf Mopar Premium pads not being the same as the OE pads. From what I found you couldn’t buy the exact pads used on the assembly line.

In fact, I do not know specifically about the 4th gen brake pads as my experience is strictly with my 2005.

That said, AFAIK, for 3rd gen trucks, the OEM Premium line pads were the same original quality as what came in the truck, and most certainly the Mopar "Value" line pads that the dealers stocked and sold were NOT at all of the same caliper (pun intended) or quality as the original pads.

 

[AH64ID]

All my research was for my 05 too. I haven’t looked into the 2018 yet. It’s probably been 10 years, I just remember not being able to get the same pads as supplied from the factory. The replacement premium pads weren’t bad, but not the same. I certainly didn’t get the value line.

 

[Whitewolf]

How do they work?

I never had a problem with them. Never felt any fading when coming to a long stop or going downhill towing our 5r. I had about 40K miles on them before I traded the truck for a '21. I also use the EB towing or not.

Remember, I replaced everything. Things might be different if you just replace pads.

 

[Topzide]

I replaced my pads with the Power Stop ceramic pads and have been quite happy with their performance. Didn't do the rotor pad combo as rotors weren't warped and had plenty of meat left on them. Haven't had and brake squeal either! Drilled and slotted rotors will stop you the same as a solid, just allows the rotor to stay cooler and prevent heat build up (warping). I know there is talk either way on that and I probably opened the can of worms. Save the worms for fishing. Wouldn't be offered if the wouldn't stop you! Too many lawyers to take the case if it failed to stop! JM2C. Each their own with what they want. Enjoy these trucks!

 

[AH64ID]

I replaced my pads with the Power Stop ceramic pads and have been quite happy with their performance. Didn't do the rotor pad combo as rotors weren't warped and had plenty of meat left on them. Haven't had and brake squeal either! Drilled and slotted rotors will stop you the same as a solid, just allows the rotor to stay cooler and prevent heat build up (warping). I know there is talk either way on that and I probably opened the can of worms. Save the worms for fishing. Wouldn't be offered if the wouldn't stop you! Too many lawyers to take the case if it failed to stop! JM2C. Each their own with what they want. Enjoy these trucks!

Stopping you and stopping you better are two very different things. Just saying they wouldn't be offered if they didn't stop you doesn't mean a whole lot. They obviously work, but do they work better?? Each works better than the other under different conditions. The question is, where do you spend most of your time.

On some applications they will absolutely work better as the holes/slots will reduce brake fade from heat. On cold brakes they don't have the surface area thou, so they aren't as effective. For towing application, especially on those with an exhaust brake, the brakes shouldn't be hot enough on a regular basis to get the benefits of being drilled and/or slotted. That's the big difference in application.

The other thing to consider is if you live in an environment where ABS use is likely. Different pads/rotors have different coefficients of friction and that will effect how well ABS works as it's programmed with the OE coefficient.

I never had a problem with them. Never felt any fading when coming to a long stop or going downhill towing our 5r. I had about 40K miles on them before I traded the truck for a '21. I also use the EB towing or not.

Remember, I replaced everything. Things might be different if you just replace pads.

Long hard braking is where that combo shines, so you should see less fade under those circumstances.

Even towing heavy the exhaust brake really helps reduce service brake temps, and that's where the potential benefits of drilled/slotted rotors may not be realized.

 

[GroundSquirrel]

When it's time for my 2016, I'll use OEM if they are available.

 

[JR]

I've seen people use the drilled and slotted rotors on daily drivers. Around here within 1 to 2 winters the holes and slots rust shut and you are back to a solid rotor.

 

[AEdelheit]

I also did the Powerstop z36 upgrade with Drilled / slotted rotors, pads and calipers. Other then the calipers they are great and I have been in very dusty situations where all the other trucks there had very noisy brakes, not mine and the only difference was the drilled and slotted rotors as I do feel help keep dirt out of the pads. The feel is much better then stock ever was.

Now the calipers are not any better then a auto parts store rebuild, so that was disappointing. I put power stop pads and rotors on my 06 Sequoia and again huge difference in overall braking performance.

The only time I ever feel the brakes do not feel quite as good as stock is in winter when they are very cold , 20deg or less, for the first few miles.

 

[TimothyLong]

I just replaced the front pads and rotors on my 2500 about a month ago because the left front caliper was sticking (replaced it too). I went with the Power Stop Z36 rotors and pads as well. So far I really like them. Much better stopping power with less pedal than my last set of pads.

2013 Ram 2500 Laramie QC LB 4x4, Thuren Fabrication adjustable track bar, sway bar kit, and 2" leveling kit, Bilstein 5100 shocks, Westin Chrome Ultimate Bull Bar, Weatherguard Saddle Box, Line-X Bed Liner, Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT's LT315/70/R17

 

[MChessick]

Try Akebono pads, I believe they make the OEM pads. I replaced my OEM pads with these and they are fantastic. They product about half the dust as well and are cheaper than going through Mopar.

Mark

 

[TMyers]

These are the Mopar OEM Stock Numbers for the 4th Gen 2500/3500.
68049148AA - Front
68049158AA - Rear

The best price, by far, I found was at Bestbrakes.com

 

[GrantP]

... I have been in very dusty situations where all the other trucks there had very noisy brakes, not mine...

That's good info, thank you. I've been wondering if drilled/slotted would cure that problem. I've avoided them so far because I didn't like the "swish swish" sound during braking on my 2nd gen with slotted rotors.

 

[Regcabguy]

How do they work?

From what I’ve researched drilled and vented rotors are for race cars and not tow rigs. You only want them on rigs where the brakes get HOT, and if they aren’t HOT the braking is reduced due to the decreased surface area. There seems to be some pretty good science behind it.

My '07 with front drilled and slotted Powerstops and Powerstop pads in the rear still amazes me after months in panic stops.
I just the opposite experience with my 2nd gen.