This would be for the front on my 99 Ford F250 light duty truck, so not a performance vehicle but does weigh a **** ton and I do tow on occasion. I was at AutoZone and the have the Duralast Gold semi-metallic pads for $34 or their Duralast Gold CMax Ceramic pads for $56. Now I have heard mixed reviews of Duralast pads in general, but they have a lifetime warranty, so if I go this route I can just take the pads back when worn out, but I don't want to do this every 10,000 miles. I thought Wagner ThermoQuiet pads were decent, but I did read a few reviews where the pads started squealing loudly at only half worn.

Not sure if I should do the ceramic route, the AutoZone guy said they actually are easier on the rotor than a semi-metalic pad, but online I read they can be hard on rotors, maybe it is brand dependent. On one of the truck forums, someone posted that with brakes either the rotor or the pad has to wear out and the pads are certainly cheaper and easier to change. Makes sense. Other have said to stay with Mastercraft brand, a bit more dust but very long life. So as you can see I'm lost.

 

With regards to brake linings in general,
Ceramics: They are good but do not develop any more friction than good quality OEM linings

Performance Friction & Hawk: Good braking, increased friction but very dirty compared to OEM with the exception of VelveTouch- a line by Wellman Industries (which builds the linings for about every F1 car in the world)

VelveTouch lining has been used for many decades and was the original lining used in all Shelby Mustangs in the 60’s (I personally have used the Velvetouch lining since 1960’s until brake lining production ceased in 1986), then switched to Carbo. Wellman has been the builder of braking linings for all of the Formula 1 race teams for more than 30 years.

CarboTech Engineering lining, which I have used for about 15+ years and been very happy on multiple full size (V8) cars and trucks. This particular lining has a high friction co-efficient, excellent pedal feel, wears (typically 50,000 to 75,000 miles before replacement is required) and produces less dust than OEM linings- but it is a crbon fiber based material...meaning it does show a little more on the wheels when compared to the same amount of brake dust as say an oem lining.

EBC also makes an excellent organic lining......almost dust free with excellent co-efficient- but it is "softer" meaning it will have less miles befor replacement is required.

Bendix- excellent brake linings as well- good for general duty use.

I would avoid like the plague, Raybestos, Wagner, etc....the quality control ranginges from good to crap- including linings & brake components fracturing without cause.

I highly recommend speaking to mfg by phone for linings that would be best for your application.

With regards tothe "Parts Specialists" at the big box stores, they read marketing literature very well- enough said.

If you are replacing rotors, I have previously run Brembo OEM replacement rotors that are cryogenically treated at Diversified Cryogenics, making them almost as hard as stainless steel- Applied Rotor Technology in California provides the same product. Unfortunately, Brembo, Powerslot, Raybestos, Bendix, Hawk etc. are all purchasing their rotors from the same foundary in China (with the exception of the $300 each composite high end units for Ferrari, Porsche, etc).

Both companies purchase the highest grade rotors made, laser mic them for quality, scrap the ones that are out of spec and cryogenically treat the good ones which are now as strong as stainless. They will also slot and cross drill the rotors for you. Their service, price and quality are excellent as well.

For street use, slotted/drilled rotors are just “cheese-graters” for the brake pads IMHO, because unless you are involved in true racing conditions, the brake linings do not produce the gases which slotted/drilled rotors are designed to relive. In some cases, brake testing indicated reduce brake efficiency in street-based operations using slotted/drilled rotors when equal comparisons were made. The staff at carbo can speak to you as well regarding those options, but I am very satisfied with the performance & wear of these products.

 

I run all EBC stuff up front and I highly recommend it. Clean (no appreciable dust) and good stopping power with my big tires on. I run their slotted dimpled rotor and the Green Stuff heavy duty pads.