Key takeaways
- For trucks that tow, haul, or simply carry more weight than a car, a matched pad-and-rotor kit built for heavy duty is the most reliable brake upgrade, and the PowerStop Z36 Truck & Tow kits are among the most popular…
For trucks that tow, haul, or simply carry more weight than a car, a matched pad-and-rotor kit built for heavy duty is the most reliable brake upgrade, and the PowerStop Z36 Truck & Tow kits are among the most popular choices in that category. Every pick below is a Z36 kit, so the real decision is not which brand but which configuration: a front-only kit for typical wear, or a front-and-rear kit when both axles are due. Z36 pads use a carbon-fiber ceramic compound designed for higher brake temperatures, and the kits pair them with drilled-and-slotted rotors and the hardware needed for the job.
The single most important rule: buy by fitment, not by kit number alone. Each kit code (K137-36, K3167-36, K2798-36, K2813-36, K6560-36, K8171-36) fits specific makes, models, years, and sometimes specific axle or brake packages. Enter your truck’s year, make, model, and drivetrain in the parts fitment tool before ordering. Front-only kits generally fall around $190–$270, while front-and-rear kits usually run about $340–$620 depending on the truck.
Our top picks
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Kit Comparison
| PowerStop Z36 kit | Axles covered | What’s included (typical) | Typical price range | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| K137-36 | Front | 2 rotors, 1 axle set of pads, hardware | $180–$210 | Lowest-cost front refresh |
| K3167-36 | Front | 2 rotors, 1 axle set of pads, hardware | $240–$270 | Front axle, heavier platforms |
| K2798-36 | Front & rear | 4 rotors, 2 axle sets of pads, hardware | $330–$360 | Value full-vehicle kit |
| K2813-36 | Front & rear | 4 rotors, 2 axle sets of pads, hardware | $510–$550 | Full brake job, larger trucks |
| K6560-36 | Front & rear | 4 rotors, 2 axle sets of pads, hardware | $520–$560 | Full brake job, larger trucks |
| K8171-36 | Front & rear | 4 rotors, 2 axle sets of pads, hardware | $590–$630 | Heaviest-duty full kit here |
Prices vary mostly with rotor size: bigger trucks use larger, heavier rotors, which cost more to make and ship.
The Kits in Detail
PowerStop Z36 K137-36 (Front) – Best Budget Front Kit
Best for: owners whose fitment matches and who only need front brakes, which is the most common situation because the front axle does most of the stopping.
It gives you new rotors and Z36 pads for one axle at the lowest price of the group. For a daily-driven pickup that tows occasionally, a front-only refresh is often all that is needed.
Trade-offs: rear brakes still need inspection. If the rear pads are below roughly 3 mm, budget for them now.
PowerStop Z36 K3167-36 (Front) – Front Kit for Heavier Platforms
Best for: trucks in its fitment list where only the front axle is worn.
Same Z36 compound and drilled-and-slotted rotor design as other kits, sized for its applications. The higher price typically reflects larger rotors.
Trade-offs: front-only. Confirm whether your truck has different brake packages, as some models use different rotor diameters depending on trim or towing package.
PowerStop Z36 K2798-36 (Front & Rear) – Best Value Complete Kit
Best for: doing every corner at once without spending $500 or more.
A complete four-rotor, two-axle kit at a price that is often only modestly above a premium front-only kit. Replacing all four corners together gives balanced braking feel and resets your maintenance clock.
Trade-offs: only worth it if your rear brakes are actually worn. Check fitment carefully, since front-and-rear kits must match both axles.
PowerStop Z36 K2813-36 and K6560-36 (Front & Rear) – Full Kits for Larger Trucks
Best for: full-size and heavier pickups that tow regularly and are due for a complete brake job.
These two kits sit in the same price band and cover both axles. Which one you need depends entirely on your truck’s year, model, and brake configuration.
Trade-offs: a significant spend. If you are paying a shop, labor for four corners adds substantially to the cost.
PowerStop Z36 K8171-36 (Front & Rear) – Heaviest-Duty Kit Here
Best for: heavier truck applications in its fitment list, where large rotors are required.
The most expensive kit in the group reflects bigger hardware for heavier vehicles. For trucks that regularly pull campers, boats, or equipment trailers, keeping both axles in top shape is a safety priority.
Trade-offs: highest price; only buy if it is the correct fitment for your truck.
What to Look For in Truck Brake Pads and Rotors
Pad compound
Ceramic and carbon-fiber ceramic pads produce less dust and noise than semi-metallic pads, which suits daily-driven trucks. Semi-metallic pads tolerate extreme heat well and are common on heavy commercial use. The Z36 is designed as a towing-oriented ceramic compound that balances both needs.
Rotor design
Drilled-and-slotted rotors help clear gas and debris from the pad surface and look sporty, while blank rotors are slightly stronger and quieter. For most towing trucks either works; matched kits remove the guesswork.
Coated rotors
Corrosion-resistant coatings on the rotor hat and vanes help in snow-belt states where road salt quickly rusts bare metal.
Hardware and break-in
New clips and shims prevent noise and uneven wear. After installation, bed in the pads with a series of moderate stops from about 30–40 mph and then a few firmer stops from about 50–60 mph, avoiding coming to a full stop while the brakes are hot. Follow the instructions in the box for the exact procedure.
Don’t forget the fluid
Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time and lowers its boiling point, which matters when towing down long grades. Many manufacturers recommend a flush every 2–3 years; check your owner’s manual.
FAQ
Should I replace rotors every time I change pads?
Not always, but if rotors are below minimum thickness, warped, or deeply grooved, replacing them with the pads gives the best result. Kits make that simple.
Can I install a kit myself?
With proper jack stands, a torque wrench, and basic tools, many owners do. If you are unsure, have a professional shop install it; brakes are a safety-critical system.
