Yesterday I went to AZ to get ceramic brake pads for my 2004 w/ 4.6L (under 7700 gvw). I bought Morse cermaics for a '04. When I got home and starting changing the pads, I found that the new pads did not fit. My OEM pads were longer and wider. AZ asked me to come back, they thought the wrong pads were the right box. We checked other boxes but the pads were all the same. After some head scatching the guy asked when my truck was built. I told him April 2004 (one of the last '04's). For S&G's we pulled out a '05 set of pads. That's was it. Unfortunately they didn't have the ceramics for an '05. Anway I bought the pads in Semi metallic and they installed no problem.

Moral of the story, not all 2004's are the same.

 

Mine was built in April of 2004 as well. I bought the Hawk HPS pads and they fit. You must have a freak of a vehicle then

 

Luckily they didn't have the Morse pads. In my opinion they are just as bad as the OEM's except they don't squeal. Put them on at 900 miles, the first two weeks they had little dust, now they blacken the wheels just as much as the oems after a week of driving. I have 2800 miles now and I'm ready to change them for something better.

 

Thanks. I think I'll look to something else. I ended up with Duralast Gold. I plan on giving them a month or two then change again if I don't like them.

 

What were you guys paying for your brake pads? I had to have my rotors resurfaced and turned, all by a shop and it ran me $187 including the parts and installation. They are calling me back to go get my rear done as it's "down to the metal" and I need to get my rotors replaced as well. Can I visually check my rear rotors by just taking off the wheel and what should I look for to determine if they really are worn to the metal?

 

A) You got ripped off

B) You need a micrometer to check rotors

 

Figures, but I would have been ripped by Midas by much more, I got a quote from them as well, $200 supplying my own brakepads. How much did I get ripped off by, and can I replace the rotors myself? They are quoting me another $310 for rear rotors, rear ceramics, and installation, can I do this myself for cheaper?

 

Changing brake pads on disk brakes is pretty easy if you have a few tools and some basic mechanical skills.

I'm a bit surprised that your truck needs the rears changed unless you really abuse your brakes.

Grim

 

I do not abuse it, I'm pretty easy on my brakes, about average to above average. I hear an awful squeal from the rear ever since I came back from that shop, seems like they sabotaged my rear but thats an awful big claim so I'm careful about stating that. I am going to take it to Midas later today and see what they have to say about the rear.

 

How are the Hawks? Can you give me a detailed opinion?

 

lol

 

Every part you ask for you must specify that you have the NEW Style 2004. Otherwise you will get the Heritage 2004 parts.

As far as being the latest built 2004, my build date was August 5, 2004. MH