Choosing brake pads

http://www.vancopbs.com/

I like the ceramics b/c they keep wheels clean, but I hear they can can build up excessive heat and warp rotors.

i have the Vanco kit - it utilizes EBC green pads and stops on a dime now. maybe you can get the EBC pads for a jeep application?

Vanco's kit uses dual piston calipers... nice!

anyhow, for a lifted Jeep (especially with heavy tires and/or skids+winch) I suggest the LTS pads vs the HPS pads. They're designed for heavier loads (LTS= light truck/suv) so they should last a bit longer, too. I've got Powerslot and Hawk LTS for my XJ and it slows it nicely even with 200lbs for the bumper/winch. I noticed a dramatic increase in stopping distance and brake fade with stock brakes after I mounted the bumper and winch. Now, I can stop better than I did before the lift.

Ceramics are worthless, the only benefit is decreased dust. Hawk says they only make them because people have been convinced that they are somehow better than the semi-metallic pads. They are used OEM to keep the fancy wheels clean, not because they stop better. Powerslot and SSBC will tell you the same thing. Actually, I haven't noticed any dust at all from my Powerslot/Hawk LTS combo.

As a side note, do you really have that much difference in stopping power? I have sooo much extra weight plus 35's and mine still stops as good as when it was stock. Certainly as good as my buddies stock 05 TJ. I guess that the stock 4-wheel disc brakes really do make that much difference? I have never touched the brake setup and all 4 corners are wearing perfectly.

Quote from quadna

i have the Vanco kit - it utilizes EBC green pads and stops on a dime now. maybe you can get the EBC pads for a jeep application?

Mike at Northridge4x4 has them in stock .

Quote from "Mike@4x4ROCKSHOP"

OK I did the legwork. Here's the scoop...

Front Pads:
97-06 4 or 6cyl - DP61255 (Green)
07 JK - DP61798 or DP71798

Rear Pads:
03-06 4 or 6cyl - DP61673
07 JK - DP61799

Rotors - Front Only
97-99 (82mm) - GD906
99-06 (78mm) - GD7204

Operators are standing by.

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Quote from Quantum73

4-wheel disc brakes really do make that much difference?

yes they really do. once we got icky's 8.8 all dialed in properly, her jeep could beat my jeep in stopping power - and that is with my jeep having the vanco kit in front. don't get me wrong, i could lock up my 37" front tires with ease once i installed it, but the rear drums really are lacking in a tj.

there are some unique break-in requirements with the EBC green pads too. they come with an abrasive coating on the pad that helps them seat squarely onto the rotor. that way you wouldn't have to turn the rotors beforehand as the coating will roughen up and square the mating surface on its own. once you have them installed, you need to bed them properly. it requires a number of consecutive near-stops from around 35mph followed by a cool down period and then another round of near-stops from closer to 50mph followed by a good 10 minutes cooling down on the highway. after that you'll have extremly responsive brakes. bedding the brakes is what i believe makes the biggest difference - even cheaper pads could probably benefit by that process. oh, if you ever notice your brakes not working as well as they used too, just rebed them and you'll think you have brand new pads/rotors again.

But your splurging went to China. You could have just bought better pads.