I didnt want to post 3 different threads in 3 different sections so i thought id try it here. Im getting ready to do new rotors/pads, change out my diff fluid, change fuel filter, and change my oil.

For the brakes im gonna get the thermoquiets (i think they are semi metallic, any problem with these?), but i just want OEM replacement rotors, i dont need any fancy stuff. Is there a specific brand i should get. Im just gonna go get them for a autozone or something.

When i change out the fuel filter, where do i get that tool from, do they only sell it at the dealer?

What fluid do i need for the rear diff? I know i have to add a bottle of the friction modifier (does it have to match the brand of lube i put in the diff?)

Lastly, anyone recomend a auto part store, we have autozone, napa, and oreillys. Its gonna be a long day on saturday

 

oh yeah, forgot that i had the 4.6l stx with limited slip

 

Well, the tool for the fuel filter is available at all those stores. Napa is good quality but expensive while autozone is cheap and I'll say "fair" quality. Never been in an O'reillys.
Oh and compare prices on the rotors. I've seen Powerslots on sale sometimes not too different from OEM prices (on other trucks).

 

the cheapest ive found power slots were 125 bucks a piece, where as i can raybestos (sp) for 75 bucks a pop

 

Here ya go, double check and make sure I put in your truck components right, i guessed on some.
$97 from tire rack

 

that was for a 7-lug, they were a little cheaper (for my truck) at 113 instead of 125.

 

Termoquites are a great pad, there is only 1 o/e style pad that is better & it is Wagner Edge. OUt of the 3 stores you listed Oreilly is the only one that sells the TQ's or Edges. They can also hook you up with the tool you need for the filter change. As far as the rotors go, if you are not going with a performance pad there is not much advantage to upgrade to performance rotors. Oreilly can turn your rotors for you as long as they are in spec, if not go back with Wagner Rotors. If you are doing yourself & use the Wagner TQ's or Edge, make sure to remember to HANG THE PAD DRY!! don't use stick'em on the backside, these pads are designed to not need it, it can create squeak if you do. Any other pad will need it cause they dont carry the ITN technology. You will only need to clean everything with brake cleaner & grease your slide pins up, hang the pads & go.

 

no the FM doesnt have to match the fluid. I would stay away from full synthetic gear oils. but thats just my personal preference.

tool can be bought at any auto parts store, just use the side that fits your lines. as described, push the tool into the line, then push the line all the way onto the filter push tool in line further, then slide straight off.....

 

do the TQ come with the pad that you stick on the back? If so, why would they put them in there if they dont want you to use them?

My rotors have already been turned once and they still vibrate like hell when braking, i WANT and probably need new rotors, just didnt think i would need 400 dollars worth of rotors, wanted something a little better then stock that would last me a little longer then the Ford rotors (which only lasted me 27000 miles)

Who makes the edge brake pad? why are they better? I was told to stick with a semi-metallic, is this good advice?

And yes, i will be doing them myself, done probably over 100 brake and rotor jobs in my life.

 

Can i ask why you dont suggest the full synthetic?

What weight do i use? Do i just fill it up halfway, add the bottle of friction modifier, then finish filling it to the top with gear oil, or can you "over fill" it?

 

add the tube of FM in first, and you only fill up halfway. There should be a "fill" plug about halfway up the axle and should not be above the bottom of the plug....

I dont suggest full syth. on stock units because the clutches are designed for a blend, and you can actually burn out the clutches by not putting the correct fluid back in it, under extreme conditions. Also most people read on the bottle of full synth. that you do not need FM with the synth. which simply is not true on our diffs.

 

i appreciate the help, i knew that even if i put royal purple in there that i still had to add the FM.

So basically fill it up to the bottom of the fill hole, i was under the assumption that if the truck was on level ground then it was impossible to overfill it because it would just dump out the fill hole

 

It should be around an inch below the hole. Stick your finger in to the first part of your finger that bends.. If you can touch the fluid it's good

 

they should NOT come with the shim on the back of the pad, that is what makes the TQ a superior pad, instead of everything glued or riveted together they are drilled/injected & moulded to be 1 piece therefore almost eliminating any opportunity for vibration/squeak, That is the technology coming together for you vs. other pads that will require the shims.

on the rotors try to match rotors to your pads, brand to brand otherwise you end up changing stopping characteristics that each is designed for.

The edge brake pad is also made by wagner, it's a step up from the Thermo Quiet, but today they were pulled off the shelves as Wagner is integrating the Edge technology into the ThermoQuiet line, for less $$$$, good news there.
The reason edge pad is better is they are lasered to provide optimum pad to rotor contact & beveled to reduce any additional vibration that comes to it.

As far as semi-metallic,vs ceramic vs organic etc etc. If you buy a wagner product you will get whatever come on the vehicle from the factory, they believe in not changing that, all other products are divided by friction formula. My answer there is yes semi metallic if you choose another brand.

I could write a book on brake pads, let me know if you need more information.