Brake drums and rotors are not interchangeable: rotors work with disc brakes, while drums work with drum brakes. Many vehicles use rotors in front and drums in the rear, so the right replacement depends on your vehicle’s brake configuration. The kits below combine parts for different setups, including Silverado and Sierra applications, a general replacement kit, and a truck-and-tow option. Confirm year, trim, drivetrain, and brake configuration before ordering.
| Product | Best suited for | Included brake types |
|---|---|---|
| Detroit Axle 8-Piece Silverado/Sierra Kit | Specified 2005–2008 models with rear drums | Front rotors, rear drums |
| Detroit Axle Silverado/Sierra Kit | Specified 2005–2007 six-lug models | Front rotors, rear drums |
| PowerStop Z17 Replacement Kit | Buyers seeking a front-and-rear replacement package | Rotors and drums |
| PowerStop Z36 Truck & Tow Kit | Truck and SUV owners considering an upgraded pad kit | Package lists rotors and drums |
| PowerStop Z17 Rear Kit | Buyers replacing rear components only | Rear pads, drums, shoes |
Detroit Axle Silverado And Sierra 8-Piece Kit
This kit pairs front disc brakes with rear drum brakes, a common layout for some Silverado and Sierra configurations. It includes two 12.99-inch drilled-and-slotted front rotors, front ceramic pads with hardware, two rear drums, and two rear brake shoes.
Best for: Owners of the listed 2005–2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 or GMC Sierra 1500 models, and specified 2008 versions, with rear drum brakes. It was selected because the package includes service parts for both front and rear systems.
Check before buying: The listing excludes certain models and 2008 vehicles using hold-down pins. Confirm the exact year and configuration; this kit is not listed for SS models.
Detroit Axle Silverado And Sierra Brake Kit
This front-and-rear kit is specified for 2005–2007 Silverado 1500 and Sierra 1500 models with 12.99-inch rotors and rear drum brakes. It contains two front drilled-and-slotted rotors, ceramic pads, two rear drums, two rear shoes, brake cleaner, and brake fluid.
Best for: Owners whose truck matches the listed six-lug application and who want front and rear friction parts in one package. The vehicle-specific exclusions make it useful to compare against the broader model-year listing above.
Check before buying: The product excludes Silverado SS and Hybrid models, plus Sierra Denali and Hybrid models. Verify the rotor measurement and rear brake type before ordering.
PowerStop Z17 Front And Rear Replacement Kit
The Z17 package lists front ceramic pads and OE-replacement rotors, rear ceramic pads, OE-replacement drums, brake shoes, and installation hardware. PowerStop says its pads are thermal scorched, chamfered, and slotted to support break-in and consistent braking.
Best for: Buyers looking for a bundled front-and-rear replacement kit that includes both disc and drum components. Its stated pad design is aimed at smooth, quiet stopping.
Check before buying: The listing requires fitment confirmation through the Amazon vehicle-fit tool or product description. It may arrive in multiple boxes, and the product name alone does not establish vehicle compatibility.
PowerStop Z36 Truck And Tow Brake Kit
This kit is presented for truck and SUV braking systems. Its listed components include Z36 front and rear pads, drilled-and-slotted rotors, drums, and installation hardware. PowerStop describes the pads as carbon-fiber ceramic and says they are designed to increase stopping power compared with stock replacements.
Best for: Truck or SUV owners considering the listed Z36 pad upgrade, particularly when the vehicle’s fitment and brake layout match the product details.
Check before buying: The listing’s component description names both four rotors and four drums. Confirm the exact package contents and vehicle fitment before purchase; do not assume every truck uses both brake types at each axle.
PowerStop Z17 Rear Brake Kit
This rear-only package includes two Z17 ceramic brake pads, two OE-replacement drums, two brake shoes, and installation hardware. The listing describes the pads as thermal scorched, chamfered, and slotted for quick break-in and consistent performance.
Best for: Buyers whose vehicle requires the listed rear components and who do not need front rotors or pads in the same package. It is selected as a focused option for rear drum service.
Check before buying: Confirm fitment and whether the vehicle’s rear brakes match the kit. The listing notes that delivery may involve multiple boxes.
Buying Guide: How To Choose Between Brake Drums And Rotors
Does your vehicle use drums or rotors?
Check the vehicle’s specifications, service manual, or existing brake assembly. A rotor is a flat disc gripped by brake pads in a caliper. A drum is a round housing in which brake shoes press outward against the inner surface. Some vehicles use front rotors and rear drums, so identifying one axle does not confirm the other.
Should you replace both axles at once?
Choose a full kit when the included parts match the work planned for both axles. A rear-only kit may be a better fit when only rear components are being replaced. Compare the contents carefully: kits can include pads, shoes, rotors, drums, hardware, or fluids in different combinations.
What fitment details should you verify?
- Model year, make, model, and trim.
- Front rotor diameter and any stated wheel or lug configuration.
- Whether the rear axle has drum or disc brakes.
- Product-specific exclusions, such as special trims or configurations.
- Whether hardware and the correct friction components are included.
Do not select a kit based only on a vehicle’s model name. The listed Detroit Axle kits, for example, specify particular Silverado and Sierra years and rear-drum configurations, with additional exclusions. Use the product fitment information and compare it with the vehicle before purchasing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are brake drums and rotors interchangeable?
No. They are different brake designs and require matching components. Use the type specified for each axle on your vehicle.
Can a vehicle have rotors in front and drums in back?
Yes. Several products here are specifically listed for vehicles with front rotors and rear drums. Verify your own vehicle’s configuration.
Do all replacement kits include brake hardware?
No. Included parts vary by kit. Review the package list for pads, shoes, hardware, rotors, drums, and any other components.
How can I confirm a kit fits?
Match the vehicle’s year, make, model, trim, brake layout, and listed measurements against the product details. Follow any product-specific fitment checker or exclusions.