Brake Rotors Guide
Best Brake Rotors for the
2011 – 2018 Ram 3500: Every Rotor Compared
A complete comparison of brake rotors for the 2011-2018 Ram 3500 — covering 4th-gen HD trucks with 5.7L Hemi, 6.4L Hemi, and 6.7L Cummins diesel. Budget to premium options from PowerStop. Stopping power, noise, pricing, and fitment notes for towing and daily use. Note: 2011–2012 and 2013–2018 use different rear brake specs.
At a Glance
Quick Comparison
| Brand / Rotor | Rotor Style | Stopping Power | Noise | Performance Over Stock | Fits | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PowerStop Brake Rotor (REAR) | Blank | Moderate | Very Quiet | Minimal | Ram 3500 13-24 rear |
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| PowerStop Evolution Geomet Rear | Blank | Moderate | — | Minimal | Ram 3500 13-24 rear |
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| PowerStop Autospecialty Rear (11-12) | Blank | Moderate | — | Minimal | Ram 3500 11-12 rear |
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| PowerStop Autospecialty Front | Blank | Moderate | — | Minimal | Ram 2500/3500 11-18 front |
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SHOP → |
| PowerStop Autospecialty Rear (13-18) | Blank | Moderate | — | Minimal | Ram 3500 13-18 rear |
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| PowerStop Drilled & Slotted Front | Slotted & Drilled | Very Good | Moderate | Very Good | Ram 2500/3500 11-22 front |
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| PowerStop Drilled & Slotted Rear | Slotted & Drilled | Very Good | Moderate | Very Good | Ram 3500 11-12 rear |
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| PowerStop Z36 Truck & Tow Front | Slotted & Drilled | Very Good | Quiet | Very Good | Ram 2500/3500 11-18 front |
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Important
What to Know Before You Buy
2011–2012 vs 2013–2018 Rear Brakes
Ram 3500 rear brake specs changed for 2013. Products for 11–12 do not fit 13–18, and vice versa. Always verify fitment for your exact year.
Rotor Style: Slotted vs Drilled vs Blank
Slotted rotors resist heat better for towing. Drilled rotors aid gas venting but can crack under severe use. Blank rotors are quietest for daily driving.
Coating & Corrosion
Coated rotors resist rust on hats and vanes. PowerStop Geomet and Z17 options offer good corrosion resistance for trucks that see salt or wet climates.
Towing & Heavy Loads
Ram 3500 owners who tow should consider Z36 Truck & Tow or drilled/slotted rotors for better heat dissipation under load.
PowerStop Brake Rotor (REAR): Ram 3500 2013–2024
The PowerStop Brake Rotor is the most affordable option in this guide. Fits 2013–2018 Ram 3500 rear (shared fitment through 2024). Direct OE replacement. Sold individually — order quantity 2 for both sides.
Quietest option in this guide. Does not fit 2011–2012 Ram 3500 rear (different spec).
Pros
- Lowest price in this guide
- Very quiet
- Fits Ram 3500 13-24 rear
Cons
- OE-level performance; rear only
- Does not fit 11-12
PowerStop Evolution Geomet Coated Rotor (REAR): Ram 3500 2013–2024
The PowerStop Evolution Geomet Coated Rotor adds corrosion-resistant Geomet coating to the hat and vanes. Fits 2013–2018 Ram 3500 rear (shared fitment through 2024). Sold individually — order quantity 2 for both sides.
Ideal for owners in wet or salt climates. Does not fit 2011–2012.
Pros
- Geomet coating for corrosion resistance
- Fits Ram 3500 13-24 rear
Cons
- OE-level performance; does not fit 11-12
PowerStop Autospecialty Brake Kit (REAR): Ram 3500 2011–2012
The PowerStop Autospecialty Brake Kit includes rear rotors and ceramic brake pads. Fits 2011–2012 Ram 3500 rear only. Complete kit for a rear brake refresh. Note: 2013+ Ram 3500 uses different rear brake specs.
Pair with the front Autospecialty kit for full F&R refresh on 11–12 trucks.
Pros
- Complete rear kit (rotors + pads)
- 2011-12 Ram 3500 specific
Cons
- 2011-12 only; does not fit 13-18
PowerStop Autospecialty Brake Kit (FRONT): Ram 2500 / 3500 2011–2018
The PowerStop Autospecialty Brake Kit includes front rotors and ceramic brake pads. Fits 2011–2018 Ram 2500 and 3500 front. Complete kit for a front brake refresh with OE-level performance.
Pair with the appropriate rear kit (11-12 or 13-18) for full F&R refresh.
Pros
- Complete front kit
- Fits Ram 2500 and 3500 11-18
Cons
- OE-level performance
PowerStop Autospecialty Brake Kit (REAR): Ram 3500 2013–2018
The PowerStop Autospecialty Brake Kit includes rear rotors and ceramic brake pads. Fits 2013–2018 Ram 3500 rear only. Complete kit for a rear brake refresh. Does not fit 2011–2012.
Pair with the front Autospecialty kit for full F&R refresh on 13–18 trucks.
Pros
- Complete rear kit (rotors + pads)
- 2013-18 Ram 3500 specific
Cons
- 2013-18 only; does not fit 11-12
PowerStop Drilled and Slotted Rotor (FRONT): Ram 3500 2011–2022
The PowerStop Drilled and Slotted Rotors combine cross-drilling and slotting for improved gas venting and heat dissipation. Sold as a pair. Fits 2011–2022 Ram 2500 and 3500 front. Best stopping power in this guide.
Drilled rotors can crack under severe track use; best for street and towing.
Pros
- Best stopping power
- Drilled & slotted; coated
- Sold as pair
Cons
- Rotors only (no pads)
PowerStop Drilled and Slotted Rotor (REAR): Ram 3500 2011–2012
The PowerStop Drilled and Slotted Rear Rotors pair with the front D&S rotors. Fits 2011–2012 Ram 3500 rear only. Sold as a pair. Note: 2013+ Ram 3500 uses different rear brake specs; this product does not fit 2013–2018.
For 2013–2018 Ram 3500 rear D&S, see PowerStop’s 2013–2022 rear D&S product (different SKU).
Pros
- Pairs with front D&S
- Very good stopping power
Cons
- 2011-12 Ram 3500 rear only
PowerStop Z36 Truck & Tow Brake Kit (FRONT): Ram 2500 / 3500 2011–2018
The PowerStop Z36 Truck & Tow Brake Kit is engineered for heavy-duty towing and hauling. Includes front drilled and slotted rotors and carbon-fiber ceramic pads. Fits 2011–2018 Ram 2500 and 3500 front. Best performance-over-stock among kits in this guide.
Ideal for Ram 3500 owners who tow regularly. Pair with Z36 rear for complete F&R upgrade (rear kit varies by year).
Pros
- Best for towing
- Very good stopping power; quiet
- Complete kit; fade-resistant
Cons
- Front only; premium price
Fitment Reference
Which Rotors Fit Your Vehicle?
| Vehicle / Trim | Rotor R | Geomet R | Auto R (11-12) | Auto F | Auto R (13-18) | D&S F | D&S R | Z36 F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ram 3500 2011–2012 | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ram 3500 2013–2018 | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
✓ = Confirmed • ✗ = Excluded • Rear brake specs differ between 11-12 and 13-18
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do 2011–2012 and 2013–2018 Ram 3500 use different rear brakes?
Ram changed the rear brake architecture for 2013. Rotors and pads are not interchangeable between 11–12 and 13–18. Always verify fitment for your exact year.
Slotted vs drilled vs blank rotors: which is best for my use?
Blank rotors are quietest and most durable for daily driving. Slotted rotors resist heat better for towing. Drilled rotors aid gas venting and look sporty but can crack under severe use. For most Ram 3500 owners who tow, slotted or drilled & slotted is the best choice.
Do coated rotors last longer?
Coating on the hat and vanes resists rust, which can extend the appearance life of the rotor. The pad swept area wears through the coating after bedding. Coated rotors are especially valuable in wet or salt climates.
When should I replace my brake rotors?
Replace rotors when they reach minimum thickness (stamped on the rotor), are heavily scored, or show signs of warping (pulsation when braking). Many owners replace rotors when replacing pads for a fresh start.
Will aftermarket rotors void my warranty?
Modifying brakes may affect warranty coverage if a brake-related failure occurs. The Magnuson-Moss warranty act limits manufacturers from voiding unrelated warranties. Check with your dealer if concerned.
Ready to Upgrade Your Ram 3500 Brakes?
Compare all rotors above, pick the right fit for your year (11-12 vs 13-18), and order with confidence. Need help? Contact us.
