Brake Pads Thin ... Lookin for Experiences

[98SurplusExpy]

So at 44K miles, my front pads are getting pretty thin. I think I'm going to take the opportunity to change my rotors & pads all the way around, flush the brake fluid, as well as replacing my paint-flaking fake Rancho shocks with the real thing.

I've decided to go back with Motorcraft stuff, but there appear to be two types of pads available ... a "standard" pad & a "super duty" pad that is painted blue. Any suggestions on these and/or experiences with how bad either of these dust?

Also, the service manual suggest replacing the brake caliper anchor plate bolts (front only, no such mention for the rear). Is this "really" necessary, like would the dealer do this? There are also similar instuctions for the shock nuts/bolts.

Here's my shopping list so far:

Shocks
- Rancho RS5000 Front #RS5042 x2
- Rancho RS5000 Rear #RS5254 x2
- Rancho RS5000 Stabilizer #RS5413 x1

Brakes
- Motorcraft Rotor, Front SRW 4WD #BRR-158 x2
- Motorcraft Rotor, Rear SRW 4WD #BRR-142 x2
- Motorcraft Disc Pad, Front Standard #BR-1069 "or" Super Duty #BRSD-1069
- Motorcraft Disc Pad, Rear Standard #BR-1068 "or" Super Duty #BRSD-1068

[npccpartsman]

Go with the Superduty/premium pads. They stop good cold and better hot with no dust and no noise. As far as the caliper bolts go, unless they're severly rusted/grooved then get the silicone based brake lubricant and give them a light coat after cleaning them up. As far as shocks go, ditch the Rancho's and go with Bilsteins. You'll be much happier with the performance.

[Galaxie]

I had a pad seize up on me. Stinks because the rest of these brakes look like they are at like 40% life. Thought it was a caliper but it was a front pad. So I have some towing next week and didn’t have time to wait for Ford to open on Monday. Went to my local parts store and bought all Ford Rotors (they deal with ford a lot so had a set) and power stop brake pads. I would have liked to get Ford but didn’t have time. So far last night I put about 80 miles on them and they are stopping SO MUCH BETTER but I don’t know how long I have had a pad hanging up for though.... No dust, no noise yet.

[mustangman02232]

ive got motorcraft parts all around except for the front rotors which are powerslots and ive been happy, there is no need to flush the brake fluid unless it is contaminated, however i would check the rubber lines on the front as to how the fluid comes out to see if the lines collapsed (common problem)

[Chad29860]

I just put brakes on my 03' and didnt get to ford on time. I went to napa and bought their premium rotors and severe duty pads and they are great. I usually go will all factory parts myself but am very pleased with the napa rotors and pads. I actually had to put napa calipers and mounting brackets on at the same time because the caliper piston boots were bad and had rust on the pistons. Then I couldn't get the slides out because of rust too. The truck came from NY so opted to put all new on.

[HVAC SuperTech]

if you want to go the other route of aftermarket parts, get the EBC pads and cryoslots rotors. I have only heard the best from them. and X2 on the bilstiens.