Recommendation for new brakes

[Ninjasupahsquid]

So I recently purchased a new 1996 Ford Explorer Sport. I love it so far and its now the daily driver. officially retiring my 1995 ford explorer 4dr XL. I recently put new tires on it and while I had the wheels off I looked at the brakes. Not the worst brakes I've ever seen. But not the best. Definitely want to replace em before snow falls up here in north Idaho.

I definitely want to get some OEM replacements however I want to do drilled and slotted rotors and want the calipers to be red. Eventually I'm going to get some open spoke aftermarket wheels that'll really show em off.

any recommendations. Saw some red calipers on rockauto made by POWERSTOP, and some drilled and slotted rotors also made by POWERSTOP. I really like the look of them. Just not super familiar with the brand, I'd also like a good recommendation for good brake pads.

 

[wollimann]

I would choose these two kits from Powerstop, if i would have the money.

More Information for POWER STOP KC186036

More Information for POWER STOP KC185836

Until now i used Bosch or Brembo discs / pads, they last a long time. Repaired the rusty front caliper pistons and replaced the the caliper brakets with new slide pins.

What i do not recommend are EBC products for rainy regions, discs and pads get rusty very fast. Much dark brakedust and less brake performance with the drilled/slotted rotors.

 

[UtahX]

I've had my PowerSlot rotor's since about 2005, and at the time Hawk Performance Ceramic pads. The Hawk pads are very nice, but very expensive, but they will outlast most by about 50%.

 

[J_C]

Are you going to be hauling loads? If not, the stock brakes were designed to handle that and you don't really need an upgrade per se, just to have them in good working order. I've ran Autozone Duralast Gold Ceramic for years. Buy once then lifetime replacement warranty including wear, but with fancy rims especially, I would pick ceramic pads so the brake dust doesn't show, or eat up the rims as much. That is unless you are hauling/towing significant loads, then semi-metallic or even severe duty pads.

 

[Mesozoic]

I've got great luck with the Powerstop Z series performance pads and shoes for the e-brake setup. Using drilled and slotted rotors as well, but stock calipers. Stops really nicely.

 

[CDW6212R]

I've had almost all the available pads for 2nd gens, and the upgrade 12" rotors, plus custom rotors/calipers with SS lines, in severe duty since 2006.

The best you can do besides custom parts, are the 12" upgrade, slotted and/or spot faced rotors, and SS lines. Having OEM calipers painted will get you the looks you want. But the OEM heavy duty pads are my choice, they are as good as any aftermarket, in my severe duty, mail trucks. I have bought those Ford Motorcraft pads for about the last 15 years, only EBC has been similar in lifespan. The other aftermarket pads have been varying, inconsistent in life, braking power, and dust, plus squeaking.

Rock Auto and Amazon used to sell them regularly, but you'll need to search a little for the best price and shipping speed. Here it is at one site, they are a little scarce right now all over the internet.

Motorcraft BRSD-652 Disc Brake Pad Set | FinditParts

Motorcraft BRSD-652 SUPERDUTY BRAKE PAD ✓ Order now for same-day shipping on eligible purchases from FinditParts.com, America's online marketplace for heavy duty parts.

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