The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Bum Brakes

I know this is a illegal post, but I am desperate. On my '97 Silverado 1500, I have the infamous frnt/disc-rear/drum combo. These brakes will not stop the truck when it is loaded and the brakes are warm.

What are the best pads/shoes to use. I have HD rotors with gas slots...help!


Stuart

There is much difference in pad quality-I like Raybestos or Wagner-usually gotta order the better pads, the garden variety $12.99 just don't work good on heavy trucks-& many shops use the cheaper pads on their "brake special",,Brian

Get Wagner Thermo-Quiet or Severe Duty pads, best on the market. And put stock rotors back on, those slotted rotors actually have LESS braking surface than stock non slotted. Every slot or hole in the rotor surface means less area for the pad to work against.

Baer, Memo or Stillen makes a high performance pad for hot cars but I'm unsure if they have a stock size pad for the trucks or not. May want to check into it. For more stopping power you'll want high metallic content but they will be noisy,
Scott

I will investigate 'severe duty' pad and linings tomorrow. The reason I went to the different rotor was because I warped two sets of stockers pulling my boat over the mountain roads.

So far, these aftermarket fancy rotors haven't warped, but maybe that's because the pads are so darn wimpy.

I think '97 C/K 1500 rigs are a fancy flatland cruiser, not a tough tow rig for heavy loads and steep grades.

My kids want me to get a Dodge/Cummins combo, but the money tree developed root rot and died.

Thanks for the help on my illegal post.

Stuart

Considering the use of ventilated rotors in high performance racers, I believe the lack of fading and warping makes up for the slight reduction in surface area. Ventilated rotors can get rid of more heat (the main by-product of speed reduction) than plain rotors. For heavy towing, go with them. There are those who cross-drill their drums for the same reason.

Good luck