Installation of Ceramic Pads on '04 Dakota 4WD & Nav question

I am almost ready for a new set of brake pads on the front of my 2004
Dodge Dakota Quad Cab 4X4. Because it's difficult to keep the wheels
half-way clean, due to the current pads, (supposedly OEM equivilents,
according to my local Meineke Dealer, who installed them, about 20,000
miles ago), so I'm looking toward spending a few extra dollars for
some ceramic pads.

My question is, whether there are any tips, tricks, or short-cuts to
the installation process, break-in period, or maintenance of these
pads. Anyone have a source, (my NAPA store has one line that they
recommend, and have ordered in, for my inspection) for quality, price,
longevity, etc??

Also, slightly off-topic, I'm interested in upgrading the aftermarket
GPS that I bought for this vehicle, over a year ago. It's a Garmin
StreetPilot® Model C530, and it's software is absolutely a complete
and utter disappointment. In our area of eastern Nebraska, this thing
hasn't been upgraded, mapwise, for over ten years. I know there's a
central repository for the maps these manufacturers use, and the
quality of their application may be indicative through quality and
pricing, but it is ridiculous the way this thing wastes gasoline,
taking you the long way around, or not knowing that they moved the
exit ramp, ten years ago, or a series of complete subdivisions are
missing from the software, and it thinks you're off-road. I would
like to get into something that I can mount on the face of, or below
the dashboard, as opposed to the top-mounting they all seem to use,
due to the antenna needing to acquire the satelites. My Dakota
already has the expanded, in-glass antenna, used for factory nav, and
satelite radio, that was available for the first time in Dakota for
2004. Can I use that antenna for aftermarket navigation equipment,
and if so, how do I tie into it?

God Bless,
Dan'L

 

I replaced all my brake pads with ceramic pads. Best thing I've done to
my PT Cruiser is 7 years. Immediately better braking. Immediately
basically no brake dust on any of my wheels.

 

Hey Dan, I bought my ceramic pads on ebay for less than half of parts
store cost.On the installation just install as usual,there are no
surprises just great stopping power and virtually no dust.IMHO

 

I just replaced the pads on a 1999 300M,,, good Raybestos Ceramic pads,
better positive brake feel... also check prices at :www.rockauto.com out
of Indy - have the best prices I could find.. good luck

--



"Hey, what am I doing in this hand basket, and where are we going?"
I am almost ready for a new set of brake pads on the front of my 2004
Dodge Dakota Quad Cab 4X4. Because it's difficult to keep the wheels
half-way clean, due to the current pads, (supposedly OEM equivilents,
according to my local Meineke Dealer, who installed them, about 20,000
miles ago), so I'm looking toward spending a few extra dollars for
some ceramic pads.

My question is, whether there are any tips, tricks, or short-cuts to
the installation process, break-in period, or maintenance of these
pads. Anyone have a source, (my NAPA store has one line that they
recommend, and have ordered in, for my inspection) for quality, price,
longevity, etc??

Also, slightly off-topic, I'm interested in upgrading the aftermarket
GPS that I bought for this vehicle, over a year ago. It's a Garmin
StreetPilot® Model C530, and it's software is absolutely a complete
and utter disappointment. In our area of eastern Nebraska, this thing
hasn't been upgraded, mapwise, for over ten years. I know there's a
central repository for the maps these manufacturers use, and the
quality of their application may be indicative through quality and
pricing, but it is ridiculous the way this thing wastes gasoline,
taking you the long way around, or not knowing that they moved the
exit ramp, ten years ago, or a series of complete subdivisions are
missing from the software, and it thinks you're off-road. I would
like to get into something that I can mount on the face of, or below
the dashboard, as opposed to the top-mounting they all seem to use,
due to the antenna needing to acquire the satelites. My Dakota
already has the expanded, in-glass antenna, used for factory nav, and
satelite radio, that was available for the first time in Dakota for
2004. Can I use that antenna for aftermarket navigation equipment,
and if so, how do I tie into it?

God Bless,
Dan'L