Brake upgrade - Power stop rotors with Hawk Performance pads

Having had 2 3rd gens now, I was never happy with the stock braking performance. I felt the power was good, but brake lacked feel and good modulation. I don't tow, and big brake kits were a little too much $ for me.

I did a crap ton of research as usually and went with Power stop rotors + Hawk Performance ceramic pads. Having a relatively new truck, I could have gotten away with just the hawk pads, but I rather have new rotors to mate with them. Total cost was around $250 and an hour of my time.

After bedding in the brakes, the feel was fantastic! No noise, not too aggressive initial bite, and more braking power!

Coming from performance cars, I've always focused on tires, suspension, and brakes. I bring that same philosophy to the Taco as well

 

Nice. Like you I don’t have the $$ for big brakes but was looking at one of these kits like you installed.

I might give it a shot.

 

Where did you get your pads and rotors

 

Ran these on my 03 Tundra and loved them.

 

did you replace the calipers too? they look brand new. the last 3 times I had the shop look at my brakes they said the calipers were junk. two years later the brakes feel like crap again. might have to try this setup myself

 

The Hawk pads, I got from tirerack, and the rotors from summit racing.

I did not. The calipers look new because the truck is new! Picked up the truck about a month ago.

 

I also added stainless brake lines to my brake upgrades, which also made a noticeable difference. I tow trailers, and plow snow with my truck , so my brakes definitely get a workout.

 

If heat is anyones problem - removing or even drilling the backing plates makes a world of difference. You will be amazed at the extended brake life. I proved it on my 89 Dodge Dakota and the fleet of busses that I service. The busses are total stop and go vehicles and were constantly going through Pads and calibers, cause the pistons were ceramic material. Never had a complaint of stopping in wet or snow conditions, and just about doubled the life of everything on both the front and rear brakes as they were disk all around. Always went through the Motor Vehicle inspections and even DOT. I always refer to them as heat shields vs dust shields. The OP found two great sources of brake components here to share.

 

Appreciate the review! Just ordered a set

 

Just wanted to post an update for anyone looking at this rotor/pad combo

Braking power seems great but they do give off A LOT of brake dust.
Was really surprised considering they are ceramic pads, but it is very surprising how much brake dust there is.
My OEM pads gave off zero brake dust and will probably go back to them after these wear down