I never have...

 

Next question, if I change my pads before they get bad, will I ever have to change my rotors? How do I know when they are bad?

 

We just debated the rotor replacement issue in this thread. You'll know they're bad if they pulsate when stopping (likely warped) or if you can see visible channels or pits in the rotor surface. Likely won't happen if you use soft(ish) pads and replace promptly when needed, clean the rotor surface each time and bed in the new pads properly.

 

Is the Wagner TQ considered a soft pad?

 

Depends on the material. Pretty much any semi-metallic is gonna' be soft(ish). Ceramic pads aren't as soft.

 

They are semi metallic.

 

They may be soft but I put 80,000 on my last set and they still had life left. Probably could have made 100,000 but I went ahead and changed them as I was there and in the mood.

 

Thats good to hear, my factory Ford pads made it to 40k almost.

 

Semi-metallics are good. I mean "soft" in comparison to harsh ceramic materials. They'll help your rotors last longer. They will still feel firm to the brake pedal, but semi-metallics take more of the friction reaction, whereas ceramics put more of the friction on the rotor (thus eating them up more rapidly).

IMO you should be fine to replace the pads without turning rotors, as long as they aren't damaged and you do it before all the pad material runs out. Make sure to clean the rotor surface well with brake cleaner and a rag, and follow pad mfr.-recommended pad bed-in procedures.

 

OK I dont know if this has something to do with the brake pad change but now when I come to a stop I feel a slight shudder/vibration. I dunno if this is the driveline or something related to the brake pad change.

 

Under only hard braking, only light braking or both? They might just need to mate together a little more. Usually the first 100-500 mi of new pads can be not quite baby smooth, in my experience, then they even out. Maybe this is the cost of not turning for a perfect new surface?

 

I have over 1000 miles now. It feels more like the driveline is still moving and has some force in it and the truck has stopped.

 

Hm, that sounds different. Maybe the rear ABS speed sensor (located in the differential housing) needs replacing?