Brake Rotors Guide
Best Brake Rotors for the
2019 – 2026 Ram 2500: Every Rotor Compared
A complete comparison of brake rotors for the 2019-2026 Ram 2500 — covering 5th-gen HD trucks with 6.4L Hemi and 6.7L Cummins diesel. Budget to premium options from PowerStop. Stopping power, noise, pricing, and fitment notes. Most products fit 2019–2022; verify fitment for 2023+.
At a Glance
Quick Comparison
| Brand / Rotor | Rotor Style | Stopping Power | Noise | Performance Over Stock | Fits | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PowerStop Autospecialty Rear | Blank | Moderate | — | Minimal | Ram 2500/3500 19-22 rear |
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| PowerStop Autospecialty Front | Blank | Moderate | — | Minimal | Ram 2500/3500 19-22 front |
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| PowerStop Z17 Coated Front | Blank | Moderate | — | Minimal | Ram 2500/3500 19-22 front |
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| PowerStop Z17 Coated Rear | Blank | Moderate | — | Minimal | Ram 2500 19-22 rear |
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| PowerStop Drilled & Slotted Front | Slotted & Drilled | Very Good | Moderate | Very Good | Ram 2500/3500 19-22 front |
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| PowerStop Drilled & Slotted Rear | Slotted & Drilled | Very Good | Moderate | Very Good | Ram 2500 11-22 rear |
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| PowerStop Z36 Truck & Tow Rear | Slotted & Drilled | Very Good | Quiet | Very Good | Ram 2500 20-22 rear |
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Important
What to Know Before You Buy
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 Z17 and Geomet options offer good corrosion resistance for trucks that see salt or wet climates.
2019–2022 vs 2023+
Most products in this guide fit 2019–2022 Ram 2500. Brake specs may change for 2023+; always verify fitment for your exact year.
Towing & Heavy Loads
Ram 2500 owners who tow should consider Z36 Truck & Tow or drilled/slotted rotors for better heat dissipation under load.
PowerStop Autospecialty Brake Kit (REAR): Ram 2500 / 3500 2019–2022
The PowerStop Autospecialty Brake Kit is the most affordable complete kit in this guide. Includes rear rotors and ceramic brake pads. Fits 2019–2022 Ram 2500 and 3500 rear. Direct OE replacement.
Ideal for daily drivers who want a budget rear brake refresh. Pair with the front kit for full F&R.
Pros
- Lowest-priced complete kit
- Fits Ram 2500 and 3500 rear
- Includes pads
Cons
- OE-level performance
- Rear only
PowerStop Autospecialty Brake Kit (FRONT): Ram 2500 / 3500 2019–2022
The PowerStop Autospecialty Brake Kit includes front rotors and ceramic brake pads. Fits 2019–2022 Ram 2500 and 3500 front. Complete kit for a front brake refresh with OE-level performance.
Pair with the rear Autospecialty kit for a full F&R brake refresh at a budget price.
Pros
- Complete front kit
- Fits Ram 2500 and 3500
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- OE-level performance
PowerStop Z17 Coated Brake Kit (FRONT): Ram 2500 / 3500 2019–2022
The PowerStop Z17 Coated Brake Kit includes front rotors with Geomet coating and ceramic brake pads. Fits 2019–2022 Ram 2500 and 3500 front. Coated rotors resist rust on hats and vanes.
Ideal for owners in wet or salt climates who want corrosion resistance.
Pros
- Geomet-coated rotors
- Complete kit
- Corrosion resistance
Cons
- OE-level performance
PowerStop Z17 Coated Brake Kit (REAR): Ram 2500 2019–2022
The PowerStop Z17 Coated Brake Kit includes rear rotors with Geomet coating and ceramic brake pads. Fits 2019–2022 Ram 2500 rear. Pair with the Z17 front kit for a complete coated F&R upgrade.
Note: Ram 3500 uses a different rear brake spec; this kit is Ram 2500-specific.
Pros
- Geomet-coated rotors
- Ram 2500-specific rear
- Pairs with Z17 front
Cons
- Ram 2500 only; not 3500
PowerStop Drilled and Slotted Rotor (FRONT): Ram 2500 / 3500 2019–2022
The PowerStop Drilled and Slotted Rotors combine cross-drilling and slotting for improved gas venting and heat dissipation. Sold as a pair. Fits 2019–2022 Ram 2500 and 3500 front. Best stopping power among rotors-only options.
Drilled rotors can crack under severe track use; best for street and towing.
Pros
- Best stopping power
- Drilled & slotted
- Sold as pair; coated
Cons
- Rotors only (no pads)
PowerStop Drilled and Slotted Rotor (REAR): Ram 2500 2011–2022
The PowerStop Drilled and Slotted Rear Rotors pair with the front D&S rotors. Fits Ram 2500 2011–2022 rear (shared fitment across generations). Sold as a pair.
Note: Ram 3500 2019+ uses different rear brake specs; this product fits Ram 2500 only for 2019–2022.
Pros
- Pairs with front D&S
- Very good stopping power
- Ram 2500 11-22 rear
Cons
- Ram 2500 only; not 3500
PowerStop Z36 Truck & Tow Brake Kit (REAR): Ram 2500 2020–2022
The PowerStop Z36 Truck & Tow Brake Kit is engineered for heavy-duty towing and hauling. Includes rear drilled and slotted rotors and carbon-fiber ceramic pads. Fits 2020–2022 Ram 2500 rear. Best performance-over-stock among kits in this guide.
Ideal for Ram 2500 owners who tow regularly. Pair with Z36 front for complete F&R upgrade.
Pros
- Best for towing
- Very good stopping power; quiet
- Complete kit; fade-resistant
Cons
- 2020-22 Ram 2500 rear only
Fitment Reference
Which Rotors Fit Your Vehicle?
| Vehicle / Trim | Autospecialty R | Autospecialty F | Z17 Front | Z17 Rear | D&S Front | D&S Rear | Z36 Rear |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ram 2500 2019–2022 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ram 2500 2020–2022 (Z36) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ram 3500 2019–2022 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
✓ = Confirmed • ✗ = Excluded • Z17 Rear and D&S Rear are Ram 2500-specific
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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 2500 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.
Do Ram 2500 and 3500 share brake parts?
Front brakes often share fitment between 2500 and 3500 for 2019–2022. Rear brakes differ — Ram 2500 and 3500 use different rear specs. Z17 Rear and D&S Rear in this guide fit Ram 2500 only.
Ready to Upgrade Your Ram 2500 Brakes?
Compare all rotors above, pick the right fit for your year, and order with confidence. Need help? Contact us.
