Now I know that the topic of ceramic vs semi-metallic brakes is somewhat of a hot topic that no one can seem to agree upon. I have searched through the threads and to me it seems like if you want better stopping power go semi-metallic and if you want no brake dust go with ceramic?
1.) What is everyone's opinion on this topic?
I ask this because it seems to me like my brakes are kinda sucky, but I am not sure how they compare to every one elses.
I am thinking that I have ceramic, but I am not sure since they were changed before I got the truck (10,000 miles ago). I do have the receipt and the parts for the front pads were 70 bucks, so I think that they are ceramic.
2.) Is there an easy way to check them ie, is there a noticeable color difference?
Now when they get cleaned off, ie from driving in the rain or washing my truck, and then they dry, the brakes bite really hard.
3.) I am wondering how can i get them to bite this hard all the time.

 

you could have a problem elsewhere....master cyl? mines starting to go at 102k.



Iv used both semi-met's and ceramics on my truck...not much of a noticeable difference imo. I'm running a set of stoptech slotted rotors an semi-met pads and the trucks never stopped better considering the master is startingto go.

 

Have you replaced your rear wheel cylinders yet?

 

Braking is great on my truck but whats been replaced...

• Master Cylinder
• driver caliper
• rotors
• Wagner Thermoquiet pads
• rear axle flex line
• both rear wheel cylinders
• Drum rebuild kits
• turn drums
• Wagner Thermoquiet Shoe's
• rear brake lines
• Full Fluid flush

Sounds about right..

 

There should be coding on the side of the pad. I'll see if i can find a sample pic.

 

I have heard, atleast in bikes, that it takes a while for ceramic pads to heat up. It wouldn't be an issue for me, but it bothers me. If I need to slam on my brakes, I do not want to have to wait for it to heat up a little then grab. I want instant, and I'll deal with brake dust if I have to.

 

i have my rears adjusted up pretty tight and it gives me good braking ability, i have to do it manually due to broken adjuster cables. i wouldnt go with ceramics due to rotor wear and tear. brake dust comes off easily enough, just dont wait all summer then decide to clean them up.

 

10,000 miles ago the following was done
-New front brake pads
-One front rotor was turned and one was replaced
-New rear brake shoes
-Rear drums were turned

Now when the brakes are clean for the first couple stops, it brakes really hard. So that would lead me to think that there really isn't anything that is malfunctioning. Or am I wrong here?
I am going to look into adjusting the rear brakes... I haven't really thought of that.
I guess I was just wondering from other people, how good can the braking be on these trucks in the essentially stock condition. I know it is all relative but I was pretty used to my camaro being able to stop on a dime and I was wondering if any one else is able to do that in their truck?

 

There is a third choice.

Hawk SUV pads on my ranger now. Gotta give them a huge

 

Braking on all rangers seems to be less than adequate. Mine stops good when my rear shoes are properly adjusted. When they are not it stops horrible.

 

Yea that was kinda the response that I was expecting, I kinda figure that the braking was kinda sucky, but I wanted to hear it from some on else. I mean its ok for just the truck, but in the summer I might be towing my pop's boat around and idk about braking with that behind me.

 

trailer brakes are almost a "must" with a ranger. for the most part if your carefull you'll be o.k. but those sudden unexpexed stops, escpelcially if wet pavement is involved can get real hairy, real quick. below 1,500 pounds you may be o.k. but any thing more id defintly want some trailer brakes!

 

I put raybestos ceramic pads on my truck in december of 2007 and have never had a problem with them. They wear great and don't leave any black dust. I haven't had any issues with stopping distances either.