Brake Pads Guide
Best Brake Pads for the
2019 – 2026 Ram 3500: Every Pad Compared
A complete comparison of brake pads for the 2019–2026 Ram 3500 — covering 6.4L 392 Hemi, 6.7L Cummins diesel, and all trims. Ceramic, semi-metallic, and performance options from PowerStop, Hawk, and EBC. Stopping power, noise, dust, pricing, and fitment notes for daily driving, towing, and heavy-duty use.
At a Glance
Quick Comparison
| Brand / Pad | Pad Material | Stopping Power | Noise | Performance Over Stock | Dust | Fits | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PowerStop Z17 Evolution | Ceramic | Moderate | — | Minimal | Low | Rear (19–24) |
|
SHOP → |
| PowerStop Z17 Evolution | Ceramic | Moderate | — | Minimal | Low | Front (19–24) |
|
SHOP → |
| PowerStop Z23 Evolution Sport | Ceramic | Moderate | Quiet | Good | Low | Front (19–24) |
|
SHOP → |
| PowerStop Z23 Evolution Sport | Ceramic | Good | — | Minimal | Low | Rear (19–24) |
|
SHOP → |
| PowerStop Z36 Truck & Tow | Ceramic | Moderate | Noticeable | Very Good | Low | Front (19–24) |
|
SHOP → |
| PowerStop Z36 Truck & Tow | Ceramic | Moderate | Noticeable | Very Good | Low | Rear (19–24) |
|
SHOP → |
| EBC Greenstuff | Semi-Metallic | Very Good | Very Quiet | Good | High | 6.4L 392 (F&R) |
|
SHOP → |
| Hawk LTS | Ferro-Carbon | Very Good | Quiet | Very Good | Low / High | 6.4L / 6.7L (F&R) |
|
SHOP → |
| EBC Extra Duty | Semi-Metallic | Excellent | Quiet | Excellent | High | 6.4L 392 (rear) |
|
SHOP → |
Important
What to Know Before You Buy
Engine-Specific Fitment
2019+ Ram 3500 has different brake systems. 6.4L 392 and 6.7L Cummins may use different pad shapes. EBC Greenstuff and Extra Duty are 6.4L-specific. PowerStop and Hawk cover multiple engines.
Pad Compound: Ceramic vs Semi-Metallic
Ceramic pads (PowerStop) produce less dust and are quieter. Semi-metallic (EBC) and ferro-carbon (Hawk) offer stronger bite for towing and heavy payloads.
Towing & Heavy-Duty Use
PowerStop Z36 and EBC Extra Duty are designed for severe-duty use. Hawk LTS excels in towing. Match front and rear pad compound for balanced feel.
Bedding Procedure
New pads require a proper bedding procedure. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions: typically 6–10 moderate stops from 40–50 mph, then cool-down. Avoid hard braking for the first 200 miles.
PowerStop Z17 Evolution Ceramic Brake Pads (REAR): Ram 3500 2019 - 2024 w/ Hardware
PowerStop Z17 Evolution Ceramic rear pads deliver reliable OE replacement with low dust and quiet operation. The ceramic compound is engineered for daily driving and light towing. Fits 2019–2024 Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 rear axle.
Includes stainless-steel hardware. PowerStop’s Z17 Evolution Plus line offers enhanced durability. Minimal dust and noise. Best budget option for 2019+ Ram 3500.
Pros
- Lowest price; includes hardware
- Low dust; ceramic
- 19–24 Ram 2500/3500
Cons
- OE-level stopping power
- Rear only
PowerStop Z17 Evolution Ceramic Brake Pads (FRONT): Ram 2500 / Ram 3500 2019 - 2024 w/ Hardware
PowerStop Z17 Evolution Ceramic front pads deliver reliable OE replacement with low dust and quiet operation. Fits 2019–2024 Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 front axle. Includes hardware for proper installation.
PowerStop’s Z17 Evolution Plus line offers enhanced durability. Minimal dust and noise. Best value for front pads on 2019+ Ram 3500.
Pros
- Best value; includes hardware
- Low dust; ceramic
- 19–24 Ram 2500/3500
Cons
- OE-level stopping power
- Front only
PowerStop Z23 Evolution Sport Brake Pads: Ram 2500 / 3500 2019 - 2024 (F&R) w/ Hardware
PowerStop Z23 Evolution Sport pads offer carbon-fiber-infused ceramic for improved stopping power over Z17. Low-dust formula with hardware included. Available for front and rear on 2019–2024 Ram 2500 and Ram 3500.
Engineered for daily drivers who want improved stopping power without sacrificing comfort. Reduces brake dust and virtually eliminates noise. Best ceramic option for 2019+ Ram 3500.
Pros
- Improved stopping power; carbon-fiber ceramic
- Low dust; quiet; includes hardware
- Front and rear available
Cons
- Higher price than Z17
PowerStop Z36 Truck & Tow Brake Pads: Ram 2500 / 3500 2019 - 2024 (F&R) w/ Hardware
PowerStop Z36 Truck & Tow pads are engineered for severe-duty use. Carbon-fiber ceramic compound delivers enhanced stopping power for towing, hauling, and off-road. Fits 2019–2024 Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 front and rear.
Designed for trucks that tow heavy loads or operate in demanding conditions. Low-dust formula with hardware included. Best for towing in this guide. Ram 3500-specific rear pads available.
Pros
- Best for towing; severe-duty
- Low dust; carbon-fiber ceramic
- Front and rear available; includes hardware
Cons
- Some noise possible
EBC Greenstuff Brake Pads: Ram 6.4L 392 2500 & 3500 2019 - 2025 (F&R)
EBC Greenstuff brake pads deliver enhanced stopping power for 2019–2025 Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 with 6.4L 392 Hemi. The semi-metallic compound offers strong bite from cold and progressive brake feel. Available for front and rear.
Engineered for drivers who want improved braking over stock. Very quiet operation. Moderate to high dust. Fits 6.4L 392 only. Best for daily driving with a performance edge.
Pros
- Strong bite; very quiet
- 6.4L 392 specific
- Front and rear available
Cons
- High dust
- 6.4L only; not 6.7L Cummins
Hawk LTS Brake Pads: Ram 2500 / 3500 6.4L / 6.7L 2019 - 2020 (F&R)
Hawk LTS Front and Rear Brake Pads are engineered for light trucks and heavy-duty use, delivering enhanced stopping power and fade resistance. The ferro-carbon compound excels in towing and heavy payloads. Fits 2019–2020 Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 with 6.4L and 6.7L engines.
Hawk’s LTS compound offers 20–40% more stopping power than standard pads. Low dust for a performance compound. Limited lifetime warranty. Best overall for 2019+ Ram 3500 owners who tow.
Pros
- Best stopping power; fade resistant
- 6.4L & 6.7L coverage
- Lifetime warranty; ideal for towing
Cons
- Premium price
- 2019–2020 fitment only
EBC Extra Duty Rear Brake Pads: Ram 6.4L 2500 & 3500 2019 - 2025
EBC Extra Duty Rear Brake Pads are engineered for severe-duty use on 2019–2025 Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 with 6.4L 392 Hemi. The semi-metallic compound delivers excellent stopping power and fade resistance for towing and heavy payloads.
Fits 6.4L 392 only. Best stopping power in this guide. Excellent performance over stock. Higher dust for a performance pad. Ideal for heavy towing and severe-duty use.
Pros
- Highest stopping power
- Excellent fade resistance
- Ideal for heavy towing
Cons
- Premium price; high dust
- Rear only; 6.4L only
Fitment Reference
Which Pads Fit Your Ram 3500?
| Product | 6.4L 392 | 6.7L Cummins | Front | Rear |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PowerStop Z17 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| PowerStop Z23 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| PowerStop Z36 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| EBC Greenstuff | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hawk LTS | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| EBC Extra Duty | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
✓ = Confirmed • ✗ = Excluded • Verify fitment for your engine and year
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Ceramic vs semi-metallic brake pads: which is best for my use?
Ceramic pads (PowerStop) produce less dust and are quieter. Semi-metallic (EBC) and ferro-carbon (Hawk) offer stronger bite for towing. For daily driving, ceramic is ideal; for towing, consider PowerStop Z36, Hawk LTS, or EBC Extra Duty.
Do 6.4L 392 and 6.7L Cummins use the same brake pads?
Not always. Some products (EBC Greenstuff, EBC Extra Duty) are 6.4L-specific. PowerStop and Hawk cover both engines. Verify fitment for your specific model.
How do I bed in new brake pads?
Follow the manufacturer’s procedure. Typically: 6–10 moderate stops from 40–50 mph, then cool-down. Avoid hard braking for the first 200 miles.
When should I replace my brake pads?
Replace when the pad material reaches the wear indicator or 3–4 mm thickness. Heavy towing accelerates wear. Inspect at each tire rotation. Replace in pairs.
Will aftermarket pads void my warranty?
Modifying brakes may affect warranty coverage if a brake-related failure occurs. The Magnuson-Moss act limits voiding unrelated warranties. Check with your dealer if concerned.
I tow heavy with my Ram 3500. Which pads are best?
PowerStop Z36, Hawk LTS, or EBC Extra Duty offer the best stopping power and fade resistance for towing. PowerStop Z23 is suitable for daily driving and light towing.
Ready to Upgrade Your 2019–2026 Ram 3500 Brakes?
Compare all pads above, pick the right fit for your engine and towing needs, and order with confidence. Need help? Contact us.
