When I heavy loaded my 3/4 ton, the front brakes just didnt' seem right. I figured must be warped rotors.... check out the old (bottom) vs new (top) brake pads ! I'm guessing those are 2nd gen pads.

 

Either that, or they got redesigned at some point. A LOT more meat on the top pads..... Should make your brakes feel much better.

 

haven't installed them yet, I sandblasted the caliper adapter and painted it. From the picture, I'm noticing that the new pad is not similar on both ends.. The new ones are Raybestos severe duty semi metalics.

 

Mystery solved, that spot I'm pointing out, is just the area that the wear indicator is attached - and only on one shoe - happened to grab the shoe w/o the indicator.

Also verified that the old pads were 2nd gen pads. They fit the caliper, but not the right thing to do.