The simplest, most common, and least expensive upgrade is to change the brake pads and/or shoes. “For convenience, we’ll refer to these items as friction materials,” says Spiegel. “Remember, brakes operate by creating friction; if you can increase the friction, you can improve the stopping power.”
Typically, such pads cost from $40 to $90 per set. Given how well they perform, they’re a bargain. I’ve driven down steep mountain roads with a 5,000-pound trailer in tow and experienced no brake fade whatsoever. That’s a real comforting thought when you crest an 11,000-foot pass.
Technically, friction materials are rated by coefficient of friction (which is nothing more than a “grip” rating), resistance to weai and reaction to temperature. Different materials exhibit varying degrees of each of these properties. One property noticeable to any driver is “pedal feel.” Some materials deliver a smooth, linear feel when the brakes are applied; the truck seems to slow in proportion to the amount of pedal pressure applied. Other materials may feel grabby; at light pressure there is little braking power, but under heavier pressure they grab like all hell. Admittedly, pedal feel is highly subjective, but it definitely affects your comfort level as well as your ability to control the vehicle.
Autospecialty 911 Extreme Performance pads are one example of high-performance pads. They’re used in commercial and emergency vehicle fleets for good reason—because the pads offer great stopping power, fade resistance, and good wear characteristics.
Keep in mind that compromises are made when you upgrade pads. Some friction materials have great stopping power, but high wear rates, Others may create lots of brake dust, which means your wheels will get dirty more often. Some materials may not stop well until they are fully warmed up, and some may squeak. Here’s where a knowledgeable installer comes into the picture. He not only has the ability to help you select the best friction materials for your particular truck (and part of the country), but he can install them properly.