Front Disc Recommendations
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Front Disc Recommendations
I have a 2002 F350 SD 4WD Dually. What are some recommendations on which front disc pads I should install? I do tow a 24' car trailer.
Have read some stories about guys installing new pads and they either wear out quickly or don't have the stopping power needed. Read somewhere that had some pads recommendations, but can't find the post now.
Should I go with an OEM pad, NAPA or some other manufacturers?
Thanks for the help.
Have read some stories about guys installing new pads and they either wear out quickly or don't have the stopping power needed. Read somewhere that had some pads recommendations, but can't find the post now.
Should I go with an OEM pad, NAPA or some other manufacturers?
Thanks for the help.
Moderator
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 6,104
Likes: 384
From: Southern California
I have a 2002 F350 SD 4WD Dually. What are some recommendations on which front disc pads I should install? I do tow a 24' car trailer.
Have read some stories about guys installing new pads and they either wear out quickly or don't have the stopping power needed. Read somewhere that had some pads recommendations, but can't find the post now.
Should I go with an OEM pad, NAPA or some other manufacturers?
Thanks for the help.
Have read some stories about guys installing new pads and they either wear out quickly or don't have the stopping power needed. Read somewhere that had some pads recommendations, but can't find the post now.
Should I go with an OEM pad, NAPA or some other manufacturers?
Thanks for the help.
Ceramics (aftermarket): 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.
Wagner & Raybestos: a line of products that is 100% marketing and mfg from very low quality/inexpensive and/or imported products with the mfg's not providing any back-up or support on product failures (and I mean real ugly spontaneous, catestropihic failures)
VelveTouch lining- 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 and VT is now available again.
CarboTech Engineering lining, which I have used for about 20+ 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.
I highly recommend speaking to them by phone for linings that would be best for your application.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,255
Likes: 1,657
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Hey Beech re: Carbo Tech pads..............
They're a bit pricey compared to Motorcraft but if they're that good cost isn't an issue for me.
With stock front and/or rear rotors on my '03 E250 loaded as a daily driver to 7800# would I really benefit from them? I don't load any more than stated and never tow anything but still always looking for the best in brakes.
Looking at the Carbo Tech site the prices are maybe MSRP---are they available elsewhere with any discounts?
Love to know your thoughts or impressions there, TIA!
They're a bit pricey compared to Motorcraft but if they're that good cost isn't an issue for me.
With stock front and/or rear rotors on my '03 E250 loaded as a daily driver to 7800# would I really benefit from them? I don't load any more than stated and never tow anything but still always looking for the best in brakes.
Looking at the Carbo Tech site the prices are maybe MSRP---are they available elsewhere with any discounts?
Love to know your thoughts or impressions there, TIA!
Moderator
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 6,104
Likes: 384
From: Southern California
Hey Beech re: Carbo Tech pads..............
They're a bit pricey compared to Motorcraft but if they're that good cost isn't an issue for me.
With stock front and/or rear rotors on my '03 E250 loaded as a daily driver to 7800# would I really benefit from them? I don't load any more than stated and never tow anything but still always looking for the best in brakes.
Looking at the Carbo Tech site the prices are maybe MSRP---are they available elsewhere with any discounts?
Love to know your thoughts or impressions there, TIA!
They're a bit pricey compared to Motorcraft but if they're that good cost isn't an issue for me.
With stock front and/or rear rotors on my '03 E250 loaded as a daily driver to 7800# would I really benefit from them? I don't load any more than stated and never tow anything but still always looking for the best in brakes.
Looking at the Carbo Tech site the prices are maybe MSRP---are they available elsewhere with any discounts?
Love to know your thoughts or impressions there, TIA!
Motorcraft linings are good and if they are currently working for you, stick with those, if you are looking for increased braking, firmer feel, less brake fade, less brake dust....then I would highly recommend:
1. Carbo
2. VelvaTouch (Disc Brake Pads for Commercial Fleet Applications - VelveTouch) ...because these do have carbon inthem, the dirtiness level is about the same as MC.
3. Bendix- TitaniuMetallic™ II
Each of these linings will also "typically" last longer than oem products because the increased efficiency reduces the duration of use and/or requires less effort to achieve the same stopping results.
Carbo will be the most expensive, VT next, Bendix the least...Carbo only sells direct...no mass production, VT has regional retailers but they are very few as well (but should be local to your area)...Bendix...just have to look for a local supplier.
What I can say is this, Carbo is IMHO to be the most gentle on the oem rotors, followed by Bendix...VT would be very close to Bendix but just a little tougher on them but not by much.....
and, do I run these on every vehicle I own.....yes, and have for (if I include the VT) for 30+ years.....my dad ran them on all of our family vehicles for 20+ years before that......
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,255
Likes: 1,657
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
hey Beech-y----was gonna PM you but thanks for this info here!
I'm about to upgrade my '03 E250 to the '08 and later front rotors and calipers, about 25% larger than OEM for my year. Rotors are about $140 each and if the Carbo Tech pads are as gentle as you say plus allow me to take advantage of the larger caliper/rotor set up the cost isn't an issue.
I've not yet addressed the issue of my rear rotor/caliper/pad issue but I'm sure all that needs to be refreshed soon too. My GVWR is 8600#, I'm running just at 7800# as a daily driver work van so want/need all the stopping power I can get.
A bit higher cost up front in exchange for improved performance and longer life is more than a fair trade off I think.
I'm about to upgrade my '03 E250 to the '08 and later front rotors and calipers, about 25% larger than OEM for my year. Rotors are about $140 each and if the Carbo Tech pads are as gentle as you say plus allow me to take advantage of the larger caliper/rotor set up the cost isn't an issue.
I've not yet addressed the issue of my rear rotor/caliper/pad issue but I'm sure all that needs to be refreshed soon too. My GVWR is 8600#, I'm running just at 7800# as a daily driver work van so want/need all the stopping power I can get.
A bit higher cost up front in exchange for improved performance and longer life is more than a fair trade off I think.
Moderator
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 6,104
Likes: 384
From: Southern California
The hawk product line is actually owned by Wellman, it is a good lining but, they are a little dirty as compared to the others I have mentioned....their linings for racing/track venues are good and used extensively, but the one things that "bugs me" and a another reason I do not recommend them as a 1st choice for street use is they are not (or were) friendly about releasing the braking co-efficiency specs for each of their linings....it's not proprietary, but a federal mandate and is listed on all patent's etc......
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