PowerStop Z36-965 Truck & Tow Front Brake Pads for 03-08 Dodge Ram 2500/3500

Vehicle Fitment

• 2003-2008 Dodge Ram 2500 Pickup (ST, SLT, Laramie, Power Wagon, SRW/DRW, 5.7L HEMI V8 / 5.9L Cummins I6 Turbo Diesel, 2WD/4WD)
• 2003-2008 Dodge Ram 3500 Pickup (ST, SLT, Laramie, SRW/DRW, 5.7L HEMI V8 / 5.9L Cummins I6 Turbo Diesel, 2WD/4WD)
• 2006-2008 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup (Mega Cab, 8-Lug Models Only, 5.7L HEMI V8, 2WD/4WD)

Fitment Notes

• Ram 1500 fitment is restricted to 2006-2008 Mega Cab 8-lug models only. Standard 5-lug Ram 1500 models do not apply.
• Ram 3500 Dual Rear Wheel (DRW) models are included in fitment for 2003-2008.
• This is a front brake pad set only. Rear pads are sold separately (see PowerStop Z36-702A for compatible rear pads).

Features

• Carbon-Fiber Ceramic compound - carbon fiber infused into a ceramic base for a stronger friction material that delivers severe-duty stopping power without sacrificing everyday drivability
• 17% higher coefficient of friction compared to OEM brake pads, delivering measurably more brake torque under load
• Third-party validated low-dust formulation - verified through on-vehicle testing to keep wheels visibly cleaner than stock
• Multi-layered stainless-steel shims provide superior heat dissipation and virtually noise-free braking during all driving conditions
• Powder-coated backing plate resists corrosion and extends overall pad life, especially in wet and road-salt environments
• Chamfered and slotted pad edges reduce initial contact noise and allow for quicker, smoother break-in
• Thermal scorching process applied at the factory accelerates the bedding-in period for more consistent early performance
• Engineered specifically for trucks, SUVs, and 4x4s that tow, haul, run larger tires, or operate in mountainous terrain
• Fade-resistant formula designed to maintain stopping power during repeated or prolonged braking under heavy load conditions

Specifications

• Position: Front Axle
• Pad Compound: Carbon-Fiber Ceramic (Z36 Truck & Tow Series)
• Shim Type: Multi-layered stainless-steel (noise-dampening)
• Backing Plate Finish: Powder-coated (corrosion-resistant)
• Friction Coefficient: Approximately 17% higher than OEM baseline
• Wheel Lug Pattern Compatibility: 8-lug (Ram 2500/3500 all years; Ram 1500 Mega Cab 2006-2008 only)
• Hardware Included: Yes - premium stainless-steel hardware kit
• Lubricant Included: Yes - high-temperature ceramic brake lubricant
• Warranty: 3 Years / 36,000 Miles (PowerStop Limited Warranty)

Included Components

• 1x Front Carbon-Fiber Ceramic Z36 Brake Pad Set (both inner and outer pads)
• 1x Premium Stainless-Steel Hardware Kit
• 1x High-Temperature Ceramic Brake Lubricant

Product Description

The PowerStop Z36-965 is a front brake pad set engineered specifically for heavy-duty Dodge Ram trucks that demand more from their braking system. Whether you're hauling heavy payloads, towing a trailer or boat, running larger aftermarket tires, or navigating steep mountain descents, the Z36 Truck & Tow compound delivers the severe-duty stopping power that OEM pads simply aren't designed to handle. The carbon-fiber infused ceramic formula reinforces the pad compound at a structural level, producing approximately 17% more brake torque than stock while remaining low-dust and quiet during everyday driving - a combination that's uncommon at this price point.

Fitment covers 2003-2008 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 Pickup trucks across all trims, engines, and drivetrains - including both the 5.7L HEMI V8 and the 5.9L Cummins I6 Turbo Diesel in 2WD and 4WD configurations, as well as Single and Dual Rear Wheel variants. The 2006-2008 Ram 1500 Mega Cab in its 8-lug configuration is also supported. This is a front axle pad set; owners completing a full brake service should pair these with the PowerStop Z36-702A for the rear axle. The kit arrives with a premium stainless-steel hardware kit and high-temp ceramic lubricant included, so no additional parts are required before installation.

Installation is straightforward - these pads are a direct bolt-on replacement with no modifications needed. PowerStop recommends following a proper break-in (bedding) procedure after installation to establish an even layer of friction material on the rotor surface, which ensures optimal long-term performance and minimizes any risk of rotor judder. The pads are backed by PowerStop's 3-Year / 36,000-Mile Limited Warranty when purchased through an authorized dealer, making the Z36-965 a reliable, cost-effective upgrade for any Ram owner looking to match their braking system to the real-world demands of truck life.