Grippiest brake pads for our trucks?

What pads have you guys found that give the best stopping power? I don't give a rip about life, front pads are easy to swap out. I occasionally tow a 3K pound camper with my 99 C1500 Suburban (or also my 99 K1500 Suburban, same pads).

I have been using these AC Delcos because they are reasonably cheap, but also I've found them to be pretty grippy even though ceramic isn't necessarily better at stopping power than organic or semi-met.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004HE6UPO/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1


I will be redoing the front brakes soon.

I tried the Centric Posi Quiet Semi Metallic and they were far better at stopping than the parts store ceramics that I had. I tried the Duralast GT pads on a different vehicle and was surprised at how much better they stopped than the OEM pads. Both produce loads of brake dust compared to what they replaced.

I think I am going to be using semi-metallic then. I don't care about dust, this old truck is always dirty anyhow lol.

Semi metallic definitely is better suited to a truck. They are grippier, but you have to get the good ones. Hawk makes some good compounds for grip, bit the dust can eat the coating on aluminum wheels. Could even see if EBC green or yellow exist. Or you could hydroboost and still stop on a dime with garbage pads.

Supercharged111 said:

Could even see if EBC green or yellow exist.

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I believe they do, at least for the JB5 brakes. I remember seeing them on Summit when I was browsing pads for my '97 C1500.

I thought ceramic were more dust prone that semi-metallic? I had some ceramic on my old Jeep Comanche and those dusted like crazy. I had Z-rated Performace Friction on my 1-ton long ago, and was disappointed. Later I found out that they needed to heat up before they would grab well.... not what I needed for my truck or driving style. I had no business running the Z-rated pads. They don't seem to make them anymore for my truck. Now, I have the regular Performance Friction pads, at least one one side.... need to finish installing them, but I've been derailed by a fuel pump.

I have been using for the last 3 changeouts, Raybestos Truck & Medium Duty SP369TRH, which is a semi metallic and costs around $50 on Amazon. It is also sold by Stainless for around $130 as Big Bite pads... My truck is a 98 C1500 ext cab, 2WD. I have been pleased with their performance, and always have a back up box on hand, so I have them when changeout time comes!

arrg said:

I tried the Centric Posi Quiet Semi Metallic and they were far better at stopping than the parts store ceramics that I had. I tried the Duralast GT pads on a different vehicle and was surprised at how much better they stopped than the OEM pads. Both produce loads of brake dust compared to what they replaced.

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On the Pacific performance site a guy from Centric was claiming their pads and rotors make our gmt400 1/2tons stop much better maybe he was not just blowing smoke.
Also another thread mentions Dutchman axles selling 454ss 5 lug axles for those wanting to upgrade to a 14bolt rear with bigger drums but keeping their wheels.

454cid said:

I thought ceramic were more dust prone that semi-metallic? I had some ceramic on my old Jeep Comanche and those dusted like crazy. I had Z-rated Performace Friction on my 1-ton long ago, and was disappointed. Later I found out that they needed to heat up before they would grab well.... not what I needed for my truck or driving style. I had no business running the Z-rated pads. They don't seem to make them anymore for my truck. Now, I have the regular Performance Friction pads, at least one one side.... need to finish installing them, but I've been derailed by a fuel pump.

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Typically the selling point of ceramics is LESS dust than semi-metallic and a little less rotor wear, and quieter. I currently have the cheaper AC/Delco Advantage Ceramics on the front of both of my Suburbans (2wd and 4wd) and I really haven't ever had a dust problem, although I'm only getting a few years out of a set. I have been using them because I've found them to be pretty good at stopping, although I suspect semi-metallics will do me even better. Especially for my wife's truck (the 2wd) I want the best grip I can reasonably afford. I also use that one for family hauls and towing.... my 4wd has a shot AC compressor, so we don't tow with it unless we have to lol.

For ultimate power its hard to go wrong with EBC "yellow compound" pads. Don't last a long time and they are super hard on your rotors and yes they dust tons. The O'Reiley house brand top of the line ceramics can be good if you want less dust and regular rotor life but a good 20 or 30% less grippy. Gennerally the semi metallics will have less braking than a premium ceramic pad and tons less than the EBC yellows.