ceramic vs. semi metallic brake pads

[resq302]

Ok everyone.  Its time to replace the front pads on my F150 lariat truck.  I know OE was semi metallic and I tend to go with OE recommendations.  However, I ended up using Ceramic on my wifes 05 Explorer and now that seems to have some challenges with stopping on a dime.  The ceramic pads seem to have smoothed the rotors out on her car fairly smooth which could explain the lengthy stopping distances Im seeing.  What I would like to do is get the best performance out of the brakes that I can possibly get.  I will occasionally be towing my trailer with car this coming year and also be hauling some materials for building stuff around the house.

Ive heard that Ceramic pads last longer and stop better yet Ive seen better stopping results with the semi metallics on my truck.

What is everyones thoughts on this?

[1969chargerrtse]

Been there done that. I had a 88 Mustang Gt conv years ago. It stopped fine. But when I put semi M on all four wheels I almost got killed sliding through an intersection ( brake fade )  I found out never put semi M on the rear. They are hard pads made for the front 70% stop and standard pads go on the rear. I threw the rear semi M out and problem solved.  

[resq302]

That brake fade is almost what my wifes explorer seems to have.  I put ceramic on all 4 corners there.  So I guess when I replace the fronts on my F150 I should go with the semi- metallics?  Granted, I know ceramics don't give off the brake dust that the semi metallics do as well which means less cleaning and washing for me but all cleanliness aside, I won't be cleaning unless Im stopping!

[1969chargerrtse]

That brake fade is almost what my wifes explorer seems to have.  I put ceramic on all 4 corners there.  So I guess when I replace the fronts on my F150 I should go with the semi- metallics?  Granted, I know ceramics don't give off the brake dust that the semi metallics do as well which means less cleaning and washing for me but all cleanliness aside, I won't be cleaning unless Im stopping!

Ooops I kinda got it Wrong. I was thinking semi M not ceramic. Point being the good hard stuff goes on the front disk. But if you have rear drums use standard pads. Putting semi M on the drum rear was my problem.    If you have 4 wheel disk I dont know what to advise. Sorry.