Brake Pad/Rotor Recomendations 02 X

[Ford4Me]

First Post .. Great site. Searched thru tons of threads but couldn't find this. I have to replace both front and rear pads and the rear rotors on my 2002 Explorer XLT V6. The person helping me with the job told me to get OEM parts from FORD. However they're crazy $$$$
Ford Dealer
$115 Front Brake Shoe - Kit 2L2z - 2001 - BA
$115 Rear Brake shoe Kit 3L2z - 2200 - BA
$240 $120 EACH Rear Rotor

Another Website:
$37 Motorcraft Front Pads BR-114 ( 2u2z2v001ya )
$32 Raybestos Rear Pads PG Plus Noise Solution ( PGD881M )
$58 2 x $29 ea Raybestos ProGrade Rear Rotors ( 680026 )
$127


Am I missing something??? It's about a $350 difference ($470 Ford Vs. $127 RockAuto)

More importantly I wanted to hear from people who have changed their brakes and rotors, and what they've used and if it's good or not. The person helping me says that for best fit and performance to use Ford otherwise I could get warped rotors, bad quality pads, shorter pad life, etc.

From what I've read, I'm going to stay away from Ceramic Pads, people are saying that they build up a lot of heat and can damage the rotors. I do a lot of city driving, about 75 - 100 miles of stop and go driving, so i'd like something that will hold up nicely.

 

[jayhawkexplorer]

Isn't your Ex under warranty? Why should you even have to bother checking all that out? Unless you're past 36,000 miles already.

 

[Ford4Me]

I'm over the 36,000 mile warranty but I have the extended 70,000 mile warranty. But I didn't think that brakes and rotors were covered under the warranty, I thought it was normal wear and tear.

 

[BBQ_HotDogs]

I'm over the 36,000 mile warranty but I have the extended 70,000 mile warranty. But I didn't think that brakes and rotors were covered under the warranty, I thought it was normal wear and tear.

You are right there. They will not warranty it at all. Use one of the other web sites and get geniune Ford Parts. http://www.parts.com/partlocator/index is one and also you can order new parts from www.explorerexpress.com they have a deal going on new rotors that are just out of this world. They also have the heavy duty break pads for it.
Hope that helps,

 

[Ford4Me]

Ive found online sites that get the Ford parts down from my dealers price of $470 (2 Rear Rotors, front and Rear brake Pads) to $380 plus S/H from online sites for same Ford parts.

BUT what I really want to know is what other aftermarket parts people have used and what has worked and what to stay away from. Also ExplorerExpress currently does not stock parts for 2002 Explorer XLT's