Looking for some stock matching, cheap but still decent quality brakes for my 2013 Ram 1500. Do not do much towing but haul some crap from time to time, so I want some reliable brakes but do not need something to stop my truck while hauling a trailer of some sort. Anyway, rockauto had these Power Stop kits and they seemed decent and they were ceramics so they were slight upgrade to OEM without being crazy expensive. Any ideas on quality? Has anyone ever used this brand or this specific kit? Let me know thanks guys!

 

Ive used Power Stop Brake kits on my 1990 Jeep XJ before, Not bad, but the jeep weighs almost half what my truck weighs. I have always been a very very large fan of Wagner ThermoQuiet and EBC Brakes. Currently Running Wagner Brakes on my Truck, But when I have to replace them next, I am going to replace them with EBC just to see how they compare on the same truck. My 2005 Ram 1500 I used to have, I ran EBC Brakes. They were great. But I dont expect to see much difference. Oh and I replaced Rotors on my 2005 Ram 1500 with Similar ones that are in that kit, Didn't notice any difference in stopping difference in regular usage. If it was me, If the Rotors are still in good shape, Just get them Turned and Replace with Quality Pads. Just my .02

 

Mechanic wanted to charge me $1000 for rotors and pads on all 4 tires. I am doing it myself and got the Power Stop kit from Rock Auto. They seemed like good sets with ceramic pads and it cost me $250 shipped plus a sunday afternoon next week. From what I understand the Power Stop kit I got was approved for OEM replacement for RAM 1500 and is equivalent (with the pads being slightly better than OEM.) I will put them on, break them in and post a review here in a few weeks. Thanks so much for the input, I know it is a different truck but if they worked on the Jeep I am sure the ones made for the RAM will be just as good.

 

Holy crap! That's ridiculous. Good pads (like Wagner ThermoQuiet) can be had for under $70 for all 4 wheels. Rotors shouldn't be more than $200-250 for good ones. I just did pads yesterday and it is extremely easy. Rotors would be easy too, with the possible exception of removing the rears due to parking brake shoes being inside. Definitely does not make it a $1000 job.

Rob

 

Why I'm glad I can do that kind of stuff myself.

 

I am 26 and just recently left the nest after getting engaged. Dad said he used to do these on his cars back in the day but is too old for that crap haha. So I figured why not learn something like this and have a skill that can save me money for good, plus I like working with my hands anyway. My buddy is mechanically inclined and has stands and tools so I am gonna toss him a 6-pack for his assistance and we plan on getting it done sunday morning. Trying to prove to some of you vets that us young guns can still get dirty and learn too!! haha

 

Brake job is not rocket science. I dont know why shops charge so much. At any rate, that's a good place to start for learning. Pick up s Haynes or chiltons manual. Not as good as FSM but it is helpful.

 

Hey Man, age has nothing to do with it. Just a little bit or research and simple logic when working on vehicles. Im 25, have been married for 3 years now. My Dad never really showed me how to work on vehicles or anything like that. I am a Network and Systems Administrator for One of the worlds largest Cosmetics/Make Up companies (Does not get farther away from Gear head/mechanic then THAT).

I Started out buying a 2005 dodge ram 1500 and just started fixing stuff as it came about. With the internet at your disposal, you can get a firm grasp on just about anything you need to do to your vehicle in about 20 mins. After some common sense and bloody knuckles, You find yourself ***** deep in your engine bay replacing spark plugs, Engine Oil, Fuel Filters, TIPM's, Brakes, Brake Rotors... you name it. Normal Maintenance and bolt on stuff is not difficult now days. Just do some reading, and if something says it takes about 20 mins to do, account for the first side taking 2 hours, then after your figured out that you didn't need to remove those 4 bolts and the dust cover can stay on, the next side will be done in 20 mins.

Don't put yourself down because of age. I started working on vehicles when I turned 20. I am now finishing up on my Rock Crawler build out of a 1990 Jeep XJ that I bought for $1500. Rebuilt engine, new Axles, Long Arm Lift kit, Armor, the whole package.

The only thing I don't touch are Custom Exhausts And Transmissions. If you have a Transmission Issues outside of regular maintenance, go see a specialist. Just my .02

 

Excellent advise. I'm in the same boat. I don't touch transmissions, that stuff is like black magic to me. Pretty much everything else I have learned by trial and error.

 

So the install took about 2hours. Rotors were pretty locked up for being only a 2013, Took some time to break them in and let them cool after. All in all felt pretty good. For $250 shipped I got regular stock-type rotors but a slight upgrade with the ceramic pads. Everything went it super easy! Couldnt be happier.