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Brake pads 2008+

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Old Feb 26, 2014 | 06:43 PM
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Brake pads 2008+

Just got my new van, Looking to upgrade or/replace front pads any suggestions?

2011 E250 4.6

(my old "99 E150 in the background)

 
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Old Feb 28, 2014 | 01:15 PM
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I recently upgraded my '03 E250's brakes to the '08 and later versions---great package for anyone considering or needing more braking power for "older" E250's.

I was turned onto the NAPA Ultra Premium front pads---about $90 for the set but they're well worth it. OEM's tend to cost right at $75, both are fairly easy on the rotors. Then again the beefy '08 rotors might be a bit more difficult to abuse than the earlier versions.
 
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Old Feb 28, 2014 | 08:07 PM
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Ok Yes I heard that the NAPA pads were good, I had good performance from
Akebono ACT1328 Front Ceramic Brake Pads

Are cermamic rough on the rotors, I'll be towing a good size trailer with a 525gal water tank. The trailer brakes are not hooked up all of the time, so I need the all the stopping power from the van sometimes..
 
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Old Mar 1, 2014 | 04:54 AM
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If you're hauling 3,8000+ pounds of water on a trailer and there are trailer brakes why are they not connected all the time?

Your existing brake system is suited for your chassis which should be rated at 8,600# GVW. Using the OEM compatible parts such as the NAPA will give you good performance up to that loaded weight.

Too aggressive of a pad front or rear tends to wear the rotors away quicker so you'd have to weigh any perceived improvements over replacing the rotors sooner.

The absolute best pads according to a staunch supporter here on FTE is a brand called Carbo Tech but be prepared for sticker shock---they're close to $300 for just the fronts alone. They are claimed to be extremely easy on rotors while providing amazing stopping power---could be something to investigate.

Nice looking E250 BTW!
 
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Old Mar 1, 2014 | 03:04 PM
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OFF topic slightly- what does an 08+ upgrade entail?
 
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Old Mar 2, 2014 | 06:07 AM
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Originally Posted by mohoneywell
OFF topic slightly- what does an 08+ upgrade entail?
Totally kidding----good question though!

Model year 2008 saw the E250's receiving improved braking from previous years along with new sway bar and radius arm attachment. Brake calipers and rotors are noticeably larger giving braking power more inline with the max GVWR of the E250's which is 8,600 in stock configuration.

Here's a link to the process and comparison photos, courtesy me : https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...th-photos.html
 
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Old Mar 4, 2014 | 01:25 AM
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Originally Posted by JWA
I recently upgraded my '03 E250's brakes to the '08 and later versions---great package for anyone considering or needing more braking power for "older" E250's.

I was turned onto the NAPA Ultra Premium front pads---about $90 for the set but they're well worth it. OEM's tend to cost right at $75, both are fairly easy on the rotors. Then again the beefy '08 rotors might be a bit more difficult to abuse than the earlier versions.
NAPA PADS which one?

ultra premium semi metallic UP UP8440M

or

ultra premium Severe Duty UP UP8440SD
 
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Old Mar 4, 2014 | 05:14 AM
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Originally Posted by cali108
NAPA PADS which one?

ultra premium semi metallic UP UP8440M

or

ultra premium Severe Duty UP UP8440SD
I used the UP8440M's. The SD versions I'm told were for heavily loaded E350's with anticipated weights approaching 9,600#. They would be a bit more aggressive than I needed for my daily driving needs.
 
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