Time for brakes. Looking for current recommendations

[Trizae]

It's been a long time since I've posted.

Long story short, I sold my truck, and 2 years and 3000 miles later bought it back so now it's time to go through the truck to get ir ready for the next 10 years. I ordered the truck and have done all the maintenance myself short of oil change while it was away.

The first things I need to address are brakes and shocks.

The truck is a 2007 5.9 6 Speed (with Mopar/Jacobs exhaust brake) with 136,000 miles.

I did front pads several years ago at about 90,000. They are still in great shape. The rear pads are still in good shape but the rotors are starting to deteriorate and I can feel that the front is doing most of the work.

When I did the front pads, I used OEM replacements (catalog parts, not the Vline)

It's only 9 years over due a flush so what ever I doing, I'm going change the brake fluid.

I was going to just replace the rear pads and rotors with OEM Parts because that's all it really needs, but I started searching for other recommendations and how a few old posts so I thought I would ask to see if anyone has recommendations on upgrades. I am open to replacing Calipers and Rotors all the way around. I have seen several complete packages with drilled and slotted rotors. I dont mind spending the money for the same quality and longevity as I've experienced with the OEM parts with increased performance .

Thanks for your thoughts.

 

[seafish]

Oem Premium line are still the best practice for predictable braking with minimal noise and dust!!!

While you CAN get increased performance from aftermarket brake manufacturers, it does NOT come with the same longevity!!

That being said, Raybestos recently started selling a line (OpticCal) of newly manufactured (NOT rebuilt) replacement calipers that seem to be very well made!!! Use them with the OEM premium pads and rotors (or perhaps Bosch quiet cast rotors) and I am sure you will be pleaded with both price, performance and longevity!!

Let me know if you want part #'s for any of the above and I'll try to find them for you.

 

[TMyers]

I've bought the most expensive, lifetime pads. They last but they eat up the rotors. Cheaper pads work fine but brake dust is horrible. I have not found a better combination than OEM.

Race cars need drilled and slotted to help keep them cool. You stated that you have an exhaust brake so your brakes shouldn't be getting that hot. I wouldn't spend the extra cash for the drilled and slotted rotors.

 

[Tuesdak]

Drilled rotors crack - avoid drilled. Slotted rotors help get the water off to stop better soaking wet esp. the rears. Both will run cooler as in cool down between stops faster. The slotted can make a wirring noise stopping hard. In overheated designs they improve pad life. Aka 88-98 GM 1/2 tons. They are throw away rotors as no one wants to turn them due to cutting tool breaking risk. IMO rotors are throw away items anyway.

 

[GrantP]

I've been very happy with the PowerStop brake kits with plain rotors. No noise, no dust, great price, it's what I use on both of my vehicles.

 

[WalterJ]

I'm very happy w/brake pads & rotors from: Brake Performance, Inc.