Hello,

This is my second post. I introduced myself a few weeks ago when I was gifted a 1998 F150 Lariat Extended Cab 4X4 5.4L (off-road package).

I have already changed the oil, oil filter, air filter, fuel filter, COPs, injectors, spark plugs, cleaned the MAF and throttle body.

I have some belt chirp to address. I purchased new idler pulleys. Not sure if it is bad bearings or misalignment - should be fun to try and figure out.

The exhaust manifolds are leaking on both sides. I have new manifolds, gaskets and studs waiting to be installed - I know it is a pain to do, but I know how to do it. I did find a mechanic who said he will do it for a few hundred dollars, but he is super busy right now. The truck needs to be inspected by the end of November. If I am feeling ambitious, I'll do it myself but I am sure not going to enjoy it.

I believe it is time for new brakes, rotors, drums and shoes. I can feel the warping when applying the brakes and it takes a bit to get it to stop. I am also going to install new shocks - they have seen better days. Also, my parking brake cables are bound up due to rusting in the sleeves. I already have the new cables ready to install.

So, here is where I am looking for advice. I am about to order the following:

Power Stop rotors (drilled and slotted)
Hawk LTS pads
Bendix drums (for the rear)
Bendix shoes
Skyjacker 8000 nitro shocks (front and rear)

Total price is $460.00

Does my choice of brake and shock components sound like a good upgrade?

This truck is not my daily driver. I am using it for hunting, fishing, and hauling for home projects.

Thanks in advance,
Brutus

 

I would not go with drilled rotors. They rot much quicker. Go with dimpled/slotted.

I know Hawk makes good brakes, but I have not tried them. I can tell you that I love my EBC Green Supreme pads, paired with EBC sport rotors. Saved my *** more than once.

 

That sounds like a really good package. You are buying the best and I dont think you will be disappointed. I would add to your brake job new calipers and brake cylinders for the front and rear. There is a good chance that you will have problems opening the bleed valves and therefore have a hard time bleeding the brakes. New calipers and cylinders are not very expensive when you order them on line at someplace like Ebay. When replacing the brake fluid, I would recommend DOT 4 synthetic. Unlike old brake fluid that would collect water and cause rust, the DOT 4 has rust inhibitors to keep your brake lines clean from rust and working properly.