After a year of checking out this forum for random truck needs i finally found a topic that didn't already have a thread so i had to join and get some feedback. I am the second owner of an 04 F150 2wd regular cab with 74k miles. Two days ago i started hearing some friction noise from the rear. I checked it out and the pads need to be replaced. I asked some friends and a few auto parts places for recommendations on two things:

1. Which break pads would provide the best stopping power?

2. Would it be worth it to replace my rotors with cross-drilled and slotted rotors? i understand the slotted/cross-drilled cool faster and have a longer life but i more concerned with shorter stopping distance. Oh and my rim diameter is 17" and i dont want to go bigger so larger rotors are not an option.

Driving habits:
-i drive average of 20k miles a year
-95% is freeway or city
-I do drive fast
-only half of my driving time do i have anything in the bed, when i do it will be heavy
-i dont tow
-i dont care about brake dust, its a truck it should be dirty

The recommendations i received from other people and the auto parts stores were not consistent and none of them own an F150 so i came here.

Any and all advice would be appreciated. I am looking to replace the pads and mabye the rotors in the next 7-10 days. Thanks!

 

I installed drilled/slotted rotors on all 4s. When I first did them I replaced the pads with simi metallic pads made by Posi-Quiet. I couldn't tell any real difference in stopping over stock. I couldn't stand the brake dust issues I had with them and the stock pads so I went to NAPA and bought a full set of their Gold series ceramic pads and replaced them. Right away I noticed a difference in stopping. I never measured the stopping distance between them but I am much happier with these pads and I feel a lot safer when I have to stop quickly. The other big benefit is I ain't cleaning my wheels every 4 or 5 days, I can go weeks with no problem.

Here is a picture of my rear rotors. The E-break in inside the hat looking part in the center if you don't know. If the rotors have been on a while you may have to fight them off. The caliber pistons get compressed in just like you normally would with the front.

 

Thanks for the information. Are those the Crager Cryogenic rotors?

 

No, I bought these from Gripforcebreaks. They called them F1 rotors. Basically they are house brand rotord that they send out to have drilled and slotted. I don't recommend them though. I had an issue with them warping less than 3 months after I bought them and they wouldn't warranty them. They said I did something wrong. For my car I just bought SP Performance rotors. Hopefully I have no issues with them.

Here's my new setup for my car. HERE

 

I like the Wanger Thermo-Quiet or the Napa Gold. They are both good pads

Cross drilled and slotted rotors wear pads faster, are not necesary and cost more plus they are more prone to cracing and warping. Wagner or Bendix make the best brake rotors for our trucks.