Ok I just called Napa to get quotes on all parts. $90 for all front pads, $120ea for the best rotors they have, and $75 per ball joint(with an option of 1 degree caster balljoints up top for $135 each...Is this needed or just stock settings?) I know the brakes and rotors are easy enough to swap, just need to know if I should go through Napa or somewhere else for better ones? Also as far as balljoints, does anyone have any tips/tricks on installing these guys. I know they are a pain, so is there a tool to help get them in or out or any secrets. Gonna do it this weekend. (Oh and all of this is on a college budget). Thanks in advance for your help!

 

Some of those prices are a little high but they always very place to place and all kinds of discounts depending , You should be able to rent a ball joint press , when you get the ball joints see if the supplier will supply instrucktions , but you'll still want to get alinement , so maybe check with who ever your going to have do that on any ??? , when I went to Napa , I found a lot of differant adjustable B.J. , so ask the alinement place if they perfure witch .

 

Ball Joints......find someone with a Ball Joint Press Tool! MAKES IT TONS EASIER!!! If not...a good Air hammer can work to a degree...just dont get too crazy! As for the Rotors....if they are not bad and above min spec....have them turned. Find a good shop that will do this...and make sure they put a non-directional finish on them....also look for Chatter marks....will be groves like a record......if you remember thoes!! haha....If they have them...you might get some noise and chatter. Someone that is good with a Rotor lathe will do it right the first time. Get the BEST PADS money can buy! NAPA's Best Brand is Great! VGX is not bad either. Dont do the rotors unless you have too.

As far as the added degree of caster......i would assume its to keep the wheel centered better, less wondering...but im not really sure.....wait for someone that knows more about that....i never really got the whole aligment thing when i was doing them.....i just set to specs that the Hunter machine told me to! hahaha.....you get spoiled! PM me if you need any more help......ALSO comming to our meet this weekend? Its at my house now i guess.......

 

Diesel Dan you got a pm. Rotors were inspected and were regarded as out of spec and needs to be replaced. I can't stand these brakes anymore, according to them it is the heat spots on the rotor that make them squeal. I for sure need to do the brakes, and might as well do the BJ's while I have it apart. Anyone got an idea on where this press can be had? I was looking at tire rack, it looks like stock pads are $42ea(These or Napas $90 ones), and stock Brembo rotors are $62ea or slotted/vented are $113 each. Napa's were $120. I want to make sure I have all of the hidden details for the Ball Joints before I get into it so I don't end up smashing my truck w/a sledge hammer.

 

Dont waste your time with the sloted or vented rotors.....if you want them...i have a drill press!! haha....Goto autozone or O'Reilies and see if they have a press to rent....ill do some checking on my end....i think i have a friend has one...but i dont know.......

 

Will those brembo rotors for $62 work the same as a Napa $120? Best brake pad possible or $42 OEM from tirerack.com?

 

One thing i have learned from my friend that owns a NAPA store (By the way...let me call and price some things from him if you dont mind.....got the part numbers?), you get what you pay for in brakes. They have options for a reason...to make money. BUT i feel that brakes do not need to be skimped on.....same with tires and Motor Oil. All these things are imperative to keep your butt moving/stopping down the road safely......

 

The brembo's will work fine. Brembo is a very well respected name in the automotive braking world.

 

Appreciate the replies guys. Dan pm. Let me know on what your guy at NAPA's got. If I need to call and give a credit card # I can. I really appreciate the help, great group of guy(s) on here.