Need front brakes and rotors for my 01 Tahoe. They went over 65000 and would like it to go that far again.

Where can I get the #'s so I dont have to go through the dealer?

OEM call the dealer and ask for the PN. Aftermarket - sites and catalogs will show the replacement PN's (powerslot, BAER, etc)

You dont have to purchase from the dealer to get the PN from them, think they are stamped on the rotors themselves in the gap / groove between the rotor and hub

I went to GM parts direct and the price for front pad is like 160.00 list, which you knoe the dealer charges. GM parts direct wants 82.68.

Any of you guys know if its wise to have the rotors cut, or just replace? Parts direct wants 76.00/each, Advance auto as low as 31.00.

Most dealers have some sort of pricing matrix, but some regular service items like brake pads are usually dropped down to a more reasonable price.

Personally, I would go with an aftermarket premium pad, and since you have a truck, see if there's a severe duty version. You might get a little more dusting though.

A lot of late model vehicles now use a "throw away" rotor. They don't have enough meat for turning. And, after some are turned they will warp when the get hot because there's not enough mass to prevent the damage. If you're going to keep it, I'd replace the rotors. And, unless you do serious hard driving, I'd use ceramic pads. Less damage to rotors and very low dust or noise. For 'online' purchases, I've found RockAuto to have great pricing and they sell Akebono ceramic pads. I have them on EVERYTHING.

You are better off, even if the cost is high, with the OEM parts since you are satisfied with the performance, the rotors can be cut, a machine shop might have to do it since they are composite rotors

HAWK ceramics are great pads. I installed those and the powerslot rotors on my chrysler and am thoroughly happy with the whole deal. Quite a few folks run these on FSC's / GMC's and have been darn happy with them (fullsizechevy.com, ls1tech and performancetrucks.net) . Great pads, IMO

just looked at the brakes again and there still about 1/4" before the squealers touch the rotor. I'm sure these brakes will go a while longer considering how long they have lasted thus far. Wonder if the'll pass it?

Aftermarket brake parts are not necessarily poor quality. Especially regarding pads. Buy a good set of rotors and pads buy a name brand company and you will get just as good or better then OE.

OE parts are not always the best parts available. And no, you dont have to spend a ton more money either.

I'm sure these brakes will be on there to at least 70K.

Anybody know of any other pads that will go that far? Why take a chance?