Threw my WJ on the hoist at work this afternoon while things were slow, as she was well overdue for an oil change and checkup. Everything looked good for a neglected, well used, 250k mile truck (topped off coolant, tire pressure was off on all 4 corners, crankcase was ~1qt low). I even had time to pull a spark plug for the first time since I've owned her. I fully expected to find well worn Champion copper core's, as would have been spec'd by the OEM, so you can imagine my delight upon seeing darn near pristine NGK Iridium IX's! Those plugs will be staying in for a LONG time.
Back to my point: the brakes. I did find the front pads to be near the 4mm mark, which in my book means replacement time. I installed pads and rotors immediately after purchase, using the CHEAPEST RA parts money could buy. A rotor is a rotor, but pads are another story. I recall paying $9 for a "wholesale closeout" set of semi-metallic pads, the very set that now needs replacement.
To be fair: I have ZERO complaints. For the price, they performed their function without complaint. Noisy? Absolutely. Dusty? You bet. When installed on a $250 beater, the above traits mean nothing. They had great bite, little fade, and seemed un-phased by temperature.
They're being replaced by a set of PCD945 ceramic pads, chosen once again for their absolutely rock bottom price. $14.47. I don't plan on touching the rotors, they haven't glazed and the truck stops straight and smooth.
*EDIT* Completely forgot! This is an OIL forum, after all... I used our house semi-syn 10w30 and an FVP filter for the oil change. Junk filter, I know. Still perfectly fine for an old dinosaur.
Back to my point: the brakes. I did find the front pads to be near the 4mm mark, which in my book means replacement time. I installed pads and rotors immediately after purchase, using the CHEAPEST RA parts money could buy. A rotor is a rotor, but pads are another story. I recall paying $9 for a "wholesale closeout" set of semi-metallic pads, the very set that now needs replacement.
To be fair: I have ZERO complaints. For the price, they performed their function without complaint. Noisy? Absolutely. Dusty? You bet. When installed on a $250 beater, the above traits mean nothing. They had great bite, little fade, and seemed un-phased by temperature.
They're being replaced by a set of PCD945 ceramic pads, chosen once again for their absolutely rock bottom price. $14.47. I don't plan on touching the rotors, they haven't glazed and the truck stops straight and smooth.
*EDIT* Completely forgot! This is an OIL forum, after all... I used our house semi-syn 10w30 and an FVP filter for the oil change. Junk filter, I know. Still perfectly fine for an old dinosaur.