Front brake question on a 97

[BAN-ONE]

I’ve recently inherited a 97 2.3 5sp flairside and pulled the deer print wheels in favor of some new edge gt wheels, and I’m now seeing how much brake dust this truck makes. Now, the question is does anyone have a decent rotor/pad upgrade recommendation? I’m looking for any reduction in brake dust 1st it’s become nonsensical the dust vs usage. The dust is so bad honestly if I could get alil stopping power increase it’s a secondary thought. I appreciate the input fellas if you share your knowledge.

 

[Dirtman]

EBC green 6000 series are good truck pads that don't make a ton of dust. Generally the harder the pad the less dust they make but less effecient they are until they are really heated up which is why you should stay away from "racing pads". They simply suck for normal driving. Factory pads are fairly soft semi metalic so they make a ton of dust but work good cold. The green EBC pads are better than oem but not extreme race pads so its a good trade off.

Dust also comes from rust so simply cleaning/painting all the brake components (calipers, brackets, and non contact surfaces of the rotors) will also help.

 

[BAN-ONE]

Thank you, I’m gonna post a pic of my rotors because it’ll prove what you just said. This truck has spent all its life below sea level and drove through a lot of salt water(high tide blocks some our roads lol)but my rotors are 2 years old and the cooling slots are filled with with rust some nearly rusted over. Any tips on new rotors? Or are they about equal?

 

[tinman_72]

I have used these on several vehicles with success.

 

[BAN-ONE]

Wow thank you I didn’t know those were a thing

 

[19Walt93]

Wow thank you I didn’t know those were a thing

Don't use them if you do heavy braking, deal with a lot of stop and go driving or any other situation that causes a brake heat because they'll make it worse.

 

[Ranger850]

Imo brake dust is just part of owning a car. How do you know if the brakes are working if there is no dust. As noted before, there is a trade off of perfromance for the low dust pads. Vented rotors help reduce dust buildup but those can get pricey too.

 

[Ranger850]

Or you could paint your wheels black and it won't be as noticeable

 

[19Walt93]

Or you could paint your wheels black and it won't be as noticeable

That works- Chevy started painting engines black in the 80's to cut down on oil leak complaints and their warranty claims went down.
Or,on a serious note, you could wash your truck more often.