I know I don't have to tell anybody here that factory brakes on these trucks are pure utter garbage, but today, while new tires were going on, noticed these thin steel shims starting to work their way towards the outside. Each caliper has an upper and lower. They are very thin and the width of the caliper, and seem to get sandwiched in there.

Are these in there to keep squeal down? If not, what is their purpose?

After reading some other threads, looks like ceramics are the way to go for brake dust reduction? I don't abuse brakes, usually I stop like an old man, but accelerate like a teenager.

 

You don't know what bad brakes are....

Try putting a 140HP engine in a 64 Karmann Ghia with stock brakes and do the quarter mile 2 or 3 times. I ran out track and barely made the last return road exit on two wheels. hehehehehehe

I still feel spoiled when I drive my stock garage queen L

I bet your right about the anti vibration sqeaking flux capacitor ruducer thingy.

 

You wana talk about Crap breaks ! try stoping a 3100 pound ranger with single piston calipers and drums in the back !.

 

Blown for what it's worth I got a pair laying around somewhere from one of the L's, I just chalked it off to extra parts when I found them laying around afterwards
Never felt diff either way to me, as you said THEY ALWAYS SUCK #(*%^#(%
( although I have to say Mikes stops better than the others did )
OK maybe that thing has something to do with something

The other side of the coin is the 4 piston Brembo w/360 x 32MM Vented Rotors that come stock on my Super Jeep, Mike took it for a ride and came back with a head injury
6 thousand miles later and my head still almost goes through the windshield each and everytime I stop...

 

You have to take me for a ride in that thing man.

 

Yes.

Most are normally held on only by adhesive, so some will fall off. You can easily by replacements, and stick them to the brake pad again. They are cheap ($8-15 for four).

 

Speaking from experience, I can tell you that the ceramic pads are pure garbage. Their thermo conductivity is zippo and that leads to warped rotors. They also glaze the rotor surface . I can tell you dozens of ceramic pad users have had this problem. I've had the rotors cut after only 25,000 miles and switched back to the composite pads. Yea, the ceramics are cleaner....but if friction is what stops automobiles, then there has to be wear on something. For me, I'd choose pads over rotors anytime!

 

I agree Mondo, been there dont that.
I didnt listen and used them and it cost me rotors all around.
Ya they are dust free, but in the end it's easier to clean the rims than it is to eat up rotors.

 

The same thing happened to me last year.. I noticed it when I came home from the track one day. It actually shaved off a good part of one of my weld wheels.

 

i got a few grooves in my boogarts also

 

Same thing happend to me. Scratched up my stock wheel but the Ford garage replaced everything.

 

I had the same problem. I just got out my hammer and a small punch and folded back the small tabs on them that are at the back of the calipers.

 

Yes please don't do ceramic pads you will regret it.

maybe time for a real brake upgrade?

http://www.tceperformanceproducts.co...ws.pl?record=8

 

I just realized the default on this board DOESN'T sign you up to receive emails when posts are added. I've been busy and figured nobody responded because of no emails.

Anyway, glad to hear that my truck wasn't any more retarded than average.

Do regular auto parts stock these metal clips/shims, or should they be bought from a dealer?

Thanks.

Greg