Maintenance...

[96two-door]

Hey everyone,
I'm getting ready to start a round of maintenance on the truck and I need some opions before I start. I need to do a tune-up and brakes. I was looking for opinions on spark plugs and brake pads and shoes. I have a 96 2 door hoe with 108k miles. I drive in Queens so I am abusive on brakes, need something that will last and stop even when I have the trailer on the back. As far as plugs the truck is pretty much stock. I was thinking just a reg boch platinum plug, but again...looking for opinions.
And yes I will be doing wires, cap, rotor, coil and pcv.
Thanks for the opinions everyone.

[ravingmadman]

Brakes are easy; the rear drums' little springs can be a little troublesome, but if you've done brakes before they're not too crazy. I just did mine last month, and I replaced everything including the rear wheel cylinders, which I would highly recommend. They're cheap (~$10/per), easy (disconnect the brake line, 2 bolts easily removed from the backside) and are probably close to going, if they aren't leaking already. As far as pads/rotors/shoes/drums, I'm running the cheap stuff from O'Reilly (formerly Raybestos, but have been rebranded), and haven't had any problems. They're decent. It doesn't stop like a super exotic, but it isn't a scuderia, it's a hoe. :hands: Too easy.

[clean454]

i run brembo, big break kit! but for stock get a decent set at the local auto part store, they should have many different stock kinds cheap, mid, and better, id get the better if ur towing check ur rotors see if they need to be replaced to just turned, as far as spark plugs just get oem stock replacement theres no need for other the top expensive ones ur not getting any real gain out of expensive pluggs! i just maintenance mine, i flushed the coolant did a tranny flush oil change and diff oil change, also did the t-case, and a new serp-belt...

[AtomicHoe094]

do the fuel filter and air filter while your at it : )

[96two-door]

Thanks guys...what kind of pads...I've seen ceramic, organic, semi...I have no idea what the difference is. I've heard you can't use ceramic if your towing, dont know why or if its even true. Also I dont know what the stock plugs would be and don't want to get them from dealership $$$$$...
I already did put in a new radiator, water pump, t-stat, both diff fluids, tranny fluid, air filter, alternator, belt and belt tensioner.
Thanks for reminding me of the fuel filter...always forget about that little guy...till I hit the gas and stall out!!!!
You guys are a big help and I'm loving the new site!

[AtomicHoe094]

lol.. well its good i just made you buy some more stuff for your truck huh> lol

I personally just go to murrays/Oriellys and get Acdelco spark plugs.. and wires..Or Bosch, which ever im feeling.. but dont go to the stealership! not necessary

[96two-door]

Its not hard for me to find ways to spend $$$$$$$ on this truck...Its my first truck, have had caprices, camaros and maximas...and I'm not letting go of it any time soon!! LOL

[foreverfalcon40]

Well I did E3's and right away I noticed a quicker more effecient start up.

I've only driven it a few days...got a lil peppier but I also installed higher compression heads too.

As far as MPG I'll have to get back to you on that one,

[96two-door]

Thanks everyone for the advice...now off to max out the credit cards and get wrenching!! lol

[foreverfalcon40]

Since your dealing with NYC finest on a daily basis . I recommend SS brake lines as well.
If your doing this all yourself! DONT forget to get "Brake Quiet". Its a Blue can that says Brake Quiet. Just spray it on your pads and let them sit for a lil to get real tackey. Brake Quiet reduces noise when braking and PREVENT pad from moving while braking. I know your gonna get cheap rotors (which is fine). Install them and take them on a drive of soft easy braking so the pads mesh with the rotors. Just stop gently 3-4 times and your good to go!

[350VortecSSCT]

R1 Concepts for drilled/slotted rotors and comes with carbon brake pads..very good and sell shoes for cheap...E3 Plugs and make sure you get ACDelco Wires, work very well.