My '05 Dakota SLT QC 4.7L has about 19k on it, and it appears that it needs a front brake job already. I plan to do it myself, as I have done them on all my previous cars and trucks.
My question is that 19k seems too soon. I do not have the problem with the brakes as a lot of others have had, with the vibration and what not. Everything works well, except of course the pedal could use a little more if you know what I mean.

For those who have done them already - at around what mileage did you need to change them? also, is it about the same as most cars and trucks, with the clips on top and bottom of the pads?

 

Hard to say....
There is a reason there is no warranty of factory brake pads - it all depends on what kind of driving and how you drive.
I am not saying you are abusing your pickup - not at all - but it could just by your driving style.

And if you have done one brake pad job, you have done em all....they are all different, but the same basic concept.

 

dodgedlr made a very good point.

Mileage all varies on brakes. You can baby the truck all day and possibly get 50k on factory brakes/rotors......you can also ride the hell out of them and get 7k. It all depends on your style of driving and the type of vehicle you drive.

Having said that, DC cars and trucks have been notorious for having crappy OEM rotors/brakes. You could do a search on this forum and find all kinds of threads on premature rotor/brake wear.....and its not just from drivers....some of its the rotors...some of its a simple vehicle malfunction. The best thing to do is go high quality rotors and ceramic pads......I noticed a big difference in both of my Dakotas when I switched to drilled rotors and ceramic pads. You dont need drilled rotors, but I'd go with some good quality rotors. Dont buy the cheapo's from Autozone and definitely dont buy the OEM replacements....

Brakes are brakes, aint much difference to them unless you have a sportscar....and those are minor differences.....