Odin

I know what some of you are thinking already...
No, I'm not converting to rear disc's yet. My budget won't allow that.

I'm REally put off by all the overseas products because of lack of quality and longevity, I just don't know what brand to purchase anymore. If you've had repeated experience with these products let me know what you would choose and why.
At the same time if you've had bad experiences with them let me know what happened and what you would chose this time around.


91 Standard 1/2 ton truck, 22RE, 5spd.

Raybestos 9481R=NAPA=O'Reillys at about $44 each.
People have been complaining about their quality going down hill for the last couple of years. I don't know the difference between their Professional Grade and their PG+ (9481 without the R) grade other than PG+ is supposed to be better.. for more money.

Bendix=Advance=Carquest at about $43 each

I know very little of Centric/C-Tek and haven't checked their prices to heavily yet. They also have a standard grade 123.44017 and a Premium grade 122.44017. Once again I don't know what's better about them. It seems like the manufacturers would clearly state why their premium grade is better than the standard. Better materials, more/better final finishing, stricter quality control, just what is it?



Now the other option is a brand Autozone carries. It's either Pronto or AIMCO for about $40 each. My gut is telling me no on that because it's probably the same as a local shop carries that they call their house brand and they sell them for $28 each. The shop owner tells me they don't have returns and people are willing to purchase them so they keep on selling them.

wyoming9

iTrader: (1)

I think pretty much just buy from whatever store treats you the best.

The one with the most flirty girls

Just make sure to get the correct ones depending on the size of your brake shoes !!!!

Since my Local Auto parts store closed I have been buying all my non Toyota Parts from Napa

I think most of the Brake Drums are made in the same foundry in China

At $100.00 plus each I think the Toyota Drums are a bit to expensive at least these for a 92 4Runner

This is just rumor but it was alleged the Raybestos Professional Grade Quality Control was better.

Odin

From what I measured and looked up I need drums for the 10 x 1 31/32 shoes.


About them all being China made- That's what one parts store owner told me and he said that's why his store sells a generic house brand for $28 each.


I've just never thought much of purchasing the cheapest part. It's most often associated with the lowest quality part and I don't want problems.


I find it strange that the stores that carry Raybestos aren't listing the better PG+ drums.

wyoming9

iTrader: (1)

Could be the market area no one wants to pay the extra for the PG plus drums.

.Brake drums take up lots of storage space !!

Why keep them if they don`t move.

Cheap Drums is why I change drums with brake shoes.

Odin

I definitely don't blame you there.
I know it's not the smartest thing to do but I'm starting to think about just purchasing one PG+ drum and calling it good for now. Then when I get back on my feet and get more maintenance done on the truck doing the rear disc swap. That might be a couple of years down the road though.