Is there goods and bads to different brands of brake shoes; or do they pretty much last the same?

 

I prefer wagner over other OE brands, but i prefer OEM when possible

 

I have had good results with Wagner, Benidix, and Raybestos as well.

 

I too prefer OE whenever possible. If not though, I usually install Raybestos or Napa (not sure who makes them) on vehicles I work on. Never had much trouble with any of them. I used to use a lot of Carquest (made by Raybestos) pads and noticed the metal "shims" on the back of the pads seemed to come loose and work out of place.

I use Motorcraft pads on my vehicles and they are no more expensive than a quality parts store pad.

 

Try to stay with Motorcraft..................they outlast the others by a wide margin, just like their batteries and belts.