Brake Rotors Guide
Best Brake Rotors for the
2019 – 2026 Ram 3500: Every Rotor Compared
A complete comparison of brake rotors for the 2019-2026 Ram 3500 — 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 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 Drilled & Slotted Rear | Slotted & Drilled | Moderate | Quiet | — | Ram 3500 19-23 rear |
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| 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 Rear | Blank | Moderate | — | Minimal | Ram 3500 19-22 rear |
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| PowerStop Autospecialty F&R | Blank | Moderate | — | Minimal | Ram 3500 19-24 F&R |
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| PowerStop Z17 Coated F&R | Blank | Moderate | — | Minimal | Ram 3500 19-24 F&R |
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| PowerStop Z23 Evolution F&R | Slotted & Drilled | Moderate | Quiet | Good | Ram 3500 19-22 F&R |
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| PowerStop Z36 Truck & Tow F&R | Slotted & Drilled | Very Good | Quiet | Very Good | Ram 3500 19-22 F&R |
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Important
What to Know Before You Buy
2019–2022 vs 2023+
Most products in this guide fit 2019–2022 Ram 3500. Brake specs may change for 2023+; 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 Z17 and Geomet options offer good corrosion resistance for trucks that see salt or wet climates.
Full Kits vs Individual
PowerStop offers both F&R complete kits and front/rear individual kits. Full kits simplify ordering; individual kits let you mix and match.
PowerStop Brake Rotor (REAR): Ram 3500 2013–2024
The PowerStop Brake Rotor is the most affordable option in this guide. Fits 2019–2022 Ram 3500 rear (shared fitment with 2013–2018 through 2024). Direct OE replacement. Sold individually — order quantity 2 for both sides.
Quietest option in this guide. OE-level performance.
Pros
- Lowest price in this guide
- Very quiet
- Fits Ram 3500 13-24 rear
Cons
- OE-level performance; rear only
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 2019–2022 Ram 3500 rear (shared fitment through 2024). Sold individually — order quantity 2 for both sides.
Ideal for owners in wet or salt climates.
Pros
- Geomet coating for corrosion resistance
- Fits Ram 3500 13-24 rear
Cons
- OE-level performance
PowerStop Drilled and Slotted Rotor (REAR): Ram 3500 2019–2023
The PowerStop Drilled and Slotted Rear Rotors combine cross-drilling and slotting for improved gas venting and heat dissipation. Sold as a pair. Fits 2019–2023 Ram 3500 rear. Ram 3500-specific rear (different from Ram 2500).
Drilled rotors can crack under severe track use; best for street and towing.
Pros
- Drilled & slotted; coated
- Ram 3500 19-23 rear specific
- Sold as pair
Cons
- Rotors only (no pads)
PowerStop Autospecialty Brake Kit (REAR): Ram 2500 / 3500 2019–2022
The PowerStop Autospecialty Brake Kit includes rear rotors and ceramic brake pads. Fits 2019–2022 Ram 2500 and 3500 rear. Complete kit for a rear brake refresh with OE-level performance.
Pair with the front Autospecialty kit for full F&R refresh.
Pros
- Complete rear kit (rotors + pads)
- Fits Ram 2500 and 3500
Cons
- OE-level performance
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. Pair with the rear kit for full F&R, or consider the Autospecialty F&R complete kit.
OE-level performance; ideal for daily drivers.
Pros
- Complete front kit
- Fits Ram 2500 and 3500
Cons
- OE-level performance
PowerStop Z17 Coated Brake Kit (REAR): Ram 3500 2019–2022
The PowerStop Z17 Coated Brake Kit includes rear rotors with Geomet coating and ceramic brake pads. Fits 2019–2022 Ram 3500 rear. Coated rotors resist rust on hats and vanes. Ram 3500-specific (different from Ram 2500 Z17 rear).
Pair with the Z17 front kit or Z17 F&R complete kit for a full coated upgrade.
Pros
- Geomet-coated rotors
- Ram 3500-specific rear
- Complete kit
Cons
- OE-level performance
PowerStop Autospecialty Brake Kit (FRONT & REAR): Ram 3500 2019–2024
The PowerStop Autospecialty Brake Kit is a complete front and rear brake upgrade. Includes rotors and ceramic brake pads for both axles. Fits 2019–2024 Ram 3500. One kit for a full brake refresh.
Best value for a complete F&R upgrade. OE-level performance; ideal for daily drivers and light towing.
Pros
- Complete F&R kit
- Best value for full refresh
- Fits Ram 3500 19-24
Cons
- OE-level performance
PowerStop Z17 Coated Brake Kit (FRONT & REAR): Ram 3500 2019–2024
The PowerStop Z17 Coated Brake Kit is a complete front and rear upgrade with Geomet-coated rotors and ceramic brake pads. Fits 2019–2024 Ram 3500. Coated rotors resist rust on hats and vanes.
Ideal for owners in wet or salt climates who want a full F&R coated upgrade.
Pros
- Complete F&R coated kit
- Geomet coating throughout
- Corrosion resistance
Cons
- OE-level performance
PowerStop Z23 Evolution Brake Kit (FRONT & REAR): Ram 3500 2019–2022
The PowerStop Z23 Evolution Brake Kit includes front and rear drilled and slotted rotors and carbon-fiber ceramic brake pads. Fits 2019–2022 Ram 3500. Improved performance over stock with reduced dust and quiet operation.
Good balance of performance and daily drivability. Ideal for owners who want an upgrade over OE without the premium of Z36.
Pros
- Complete F&R drilled & slotted kit
- Carbon-fiber ceramic pads
- Quiet; improved over OE
Cons
- Premium price
PowerStop Z36 Truck & Tow Brake Kit (FRONT & REAR): Ram 3500 2019–2022
The PowerStop Z36 Truck & Tow Brake Kit is engineered for heavy-duty towing and hauling. Includes front and rear drilled and slotted rotors and carbon-fiber ceramic pads. Fits 2019–2022 Ram 3500. Best performance-over-stock in this guide.
Ideal for Ram 3500 owners who tow regularly. Fade-resistant; best heat dissipation under load.
Pros
- Best for towing
- Very good stopping power; quiet
- Complete F&R; fade-resistant
Cons
- Premium price
Fitment Reference
Which Rotors Fit Your Vehicle?
| Vehicle / Trim | Rotor R | Geomet R | D&S R | Auto R | Auto F | Z17 R | Auto F&R | Z17 F&R | Z23 F&R | Z36 F&R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ram 3500 2019–2022 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
✓ = Confirmed • Most products fit 2019–2022; verify 2023+ fitment
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 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.
Do Ram 2500 and 3500 share brake parts?
Front brakes often share fitment between 2500 and 3500 for 2019–2022. Rear brakes differ — Ram 3500 uses a different rear spec. Some products in this guide are Ram 3500-specific.
Ready to Upgrade Your Ram 3500 Brakes?
Compare all rotors above, pick the right fit for your year, and order with confidence. Need help? Contact us.
