Going to try, once again...to replace the front rotors and pads to see if I can get a combination that doesn't leave transfer from the pads on the rotors and/or WARP 'em.

I'm on my third set of rotors and still have the same annoying issue, a shudder in the steering under braking.

The plan is to get another decent set of stock rotors, my friend who is a service rep. for a large independent shop here in the area says the Carquest rotors seem to do real well.

I have spoken to ART and just can't bring myself to spend the $$$$$$$ for those rotors but he suggested I just get new rotors and use Performance Friction's CERAMIC pads and if I experience a pad transfer or what seems to be a warped rotor, to clean the rotors up and lightly sand them.

OK, makes sense.

I see a lot of people on here using Hawk LTS pads. I have gone through two sets of front rotors using Hawk HPS pads, they stop the truck REAL well but I eventually get the warped rotor feeling within a few months. I have not taken the time to assess whether the HPS pads are leaving residue or if the rotors are actually warping...my bad, I should!!

I tow an 8,000 lb race trailer and drive fairly aggressive during my commutes, I late brake and drive in a "spirited" yet safe fashion...apparently my truck's brakes do NOT like this!!

Any suggestions or support for my "new idea" are welcomed.

 

Are you eating up the rears also? If not check the balance valve. Also check that the trailer brakes are working properly.

I use the PF, they are made in South Carloina, and they have a 1-800 number that you can call and talk to them if you have questions.

 

Where is the balance valve???

On a side note I am putting Hawk LTS pads on all 4 corners and new brake fluid in this weekend. I don't have the problems you are having though, just need new pads and I read on here they recommend changing/flushing brake fluid every 2 years although most never do. I want to see if it makes a noticable difference.

 

Havn't tried the ceramics on the truck yet but put them on the wife's Lexus and damned near went thru the windshield on the test drive. They worked awesome and no more brake dust on her chrome wheels.

 

My brakes work great, I'm not eating up rear rotors either.

I am a FANATIC about keeping my trailer brakes in "tip-top" working condition and generally change out the entire backing plate assembly about every 3 years with adjustments to the shoes in between...so when towing/hauling, things work great.

I usually notice the "pulsing" in the front brakes when I just have the truck and have to slow down abruptly or from higher speeds.

So, I don't believe I have a bias issue or anything, I think I'm just not having good luck with the Hawk HPS pads, some have told me to try the LTS...ART told me to use the Ceramics by Performance Friction and that they're available at Advance Auto, etc.

I think the HPS are leaving transfer/deposit on the rotors when you stop and keep your foot on the pedal...this occurs in my race car as well if I'm not careful!! ...switching to $760 Pagid Yellow pads cured that!

I guess I'm just fishing for ideas as I don't think it's necessary to go the "BIG" rotor setup through aftermarket suppliers, although it would be nice...after all, it IS what I've done with my race car...so why not the truck? Jeeeez...never thought I'd have to invest a ton of aftermarket $$$$$$$ into this truck to make it "right"??

Is it possible to get the 2005 and later rotors/calipers on this thing? I have a 2003 2WD model...if the later ones had larger rotors then I may look into doing that and if there's a difference in caliper/pad size...Hmmmmmm...anybody know the answers to that one?

 

In 05 ...engineers to upsized brake rotors by 5 percent, to 347 mm in front and 340 mm in rear.

Other improvements include larger calipers for both the F-250 and F-350. The front calipers now have twin 60 mm pistons - up 11 percent from 2004 (54 mm) - for better braking feel.

Rear calipers have twin 48 mm calipers on F-250 and SRW F-350 and twin 54 mm pistons on F-350 dual-rear-wheel models. The rears on the 2004's were twin 45 mm (IIRC).

Friction:
04 OEM Fronts - Abex / Federal-Mogul 1222-1A EE
04 OEM Rear -Abex / Federal-Mogul 1222-1A EE

05 OEM Fronts - Federal-Mogul 2160 FE
05 OEM Rear - Federal-Mogul 2160 FE

 

WOW BISMIC, you're killin' me with all this good info!

Do you know if these components are a direct crossover?? I figure I can just trade in my calipers like they're defective, on core and get the bigger ones...if the only visible change is the piston size.

I wonder, with the slightly larger rotors, would I have to change the caliper bracket to move it out further?

Rotors are probably the same price...these sizes are the same for the 2WD models then??

 

I also have front rotor issues - warped stock rotors using stock pads. I had the rotors turned and the problem is gone. Warped rotors follow me where ever I go the last three vehicles I have bought( '96 Trans -Am, '03 Cavalier Z-24, '03 F350 Dually) all have warped rotors due to driving habits. The Z-24 has performance rotors and pads and still warps rotors.

I am going to upgrade to ART drilled / slotted cryogenic rotors for the F350 soon.