Found out that the tireshop that last did the brakes on this thing 11 years ago prior to my ownership didnt lubricate a damn thing, ceased slide pins, pads are trashed out completely and the piston on the passenger side is cracked through so im looking for a new set. Narrowed down to either a set of Ultra-power P/N 18P4712 & 18P4713 or ACDelco P/N's 18FR1487N & 18FR1488N, quite a big price difference but im not sure if i want to go after market or not, calipers are fairly simple so i want to know if anyone else has used the ultra-power set mentioned and had issues yet.
Any Advice appreciated.

 

I'm not sure of the brand that I used recently when I did my rears, bought them from Napa. But they were complete with the brackets and all, so got new slide pins and all the hardware to go with them. New rotors as well and some ceramic pads. They've been working wonderfully.

Like you mentioned, calipers are not very complicated devices. Rebuilt ones are often just as good as brand new ones (possibly better since there's a good change that a remanufactured caliper is an OEM caliper assembly cleaned up with new seals and pistons installed).

Just my opinion, just because of their simplicity, I wouldn't brake the bank on them chasing a name brand. That being said, do get one that has everything you need if you have the chance (mounting brackets, guide pins, hardware, etc)

 

I used AC-Delco calipers when I recently did my rear brakes. I don't know if they're actually any better than "bargain" brands, but they were about the same price so I figured, why not?

 

Were those new, or does AC Delco offer remaned units? Just out of curiosity.

I tend to stick with AC Delco for sure on electrical and ignition parts, they always just seem to work best. But I tried a set of their front pads when I first got my Blazer, and MY GOD did they make some dust lol. I mean yeah they worked and served their purpose, but the chrome wheels that I had on at the time were black with brake dust within a week every time I washed them off...

 

The ones I got were remanufactured. I bought AC-Delco ceramic pads too, but I haven't driven it enough yet to see if they're going to be dirty. Also, mine are full-size truck stuff (14-bolt rear) so they may not act the same.

 

Looking around a bit, its actually cheaper then even reman to get the ultrapower anti-corrosion coated set, Parts ordered, get to retry this brakejob next week..