Refer to: Brakes Maitenance Post #2 is the culmination of my research regarding OEM heavy duty brakes.
Aftermarket companies can call anything, anything they want.

 

You probably have the same Powerstop front pads I got. They did not come with the wire nor were there holes in the edge of the brake pad metal plate (backing). Using my old brake pads as a template, I took a small drill bit that fit in those holes in the old pads and marking the position on the new pads, drilled four small holes in the backing plate edge for the wire to go it. I re-used the factory spreader wire. 10 minutes later all four pads (full front) were done and the spreader wire fit perfectly.

While it may not be required per say, I do everything I can when putting new brakes on to ensure the pads will sufficiently back away from the rotors to keep the rotors from wearing and heating up. This includes:

1. Using the spreaders (helps push the pads away from the rotors when not braking)
2. Using a wire brush on the channels of the caliper bracket (remove any rust, dirt etc. that can cause the brake pads to bind up)
3. Using the included new hardware clips in the channel where the pad tabs slide in (making sure the new clips are completely down in their channels)
4. Using high-temp grease in the channel and on the pad tabs
5. Where needed, using a grinding wheel and lightly grinding around the edges and end of the brake pad tabs to make sure they don't bind in the channels.

 

I fitted aftermarket discs and pads recently and the pads didn't have the holes for these springs. I've not noticed any issues by not having them.

 

Another thing I forgot to mention is that some high end aftermarket brake parts manufacturers don't offer 'HD' kits even though they sell high performance BRG kits. No spreader springs either.
I'd love to talk to some of these manufacturers and also to KL development engineers, to find out what the deal is with HD brakes on Cherokees because, to me, right now, it seems more like a marketing thing.

 

Refer to: Trailhawk front brake pads Post #4. The picture.
The only OEM front brake pads I could buy recently are PN 68459898AB-001 and are for one axle. They DO have the holes for the springs.
These pads DO fit my VIN per the parts supplier.
I only use OEM brake parts, they work just fine and ensure ESC software will work as programmed.
Plus, my Jeep dealer will install OEM parts that I supply. I do this because your Jeep can be in Service for weeks while the Jeep dealer finally gets all of the parts.
I supply ALL of the required parts so I can "wait" for them to do the proper installation. They can't have any excuses.

 

The mopar rotors suck when it comes to rust based on my experience in NH. You literally have to drive the vehicle every day. There is yearly inspection and you can fail for a certain degree of pitting or rust on the rotors. Not only that but the dealer in Rochester NH wants $800 to replace front pads and rotors. Or $32 for the etorx torque to yield bolts...will only sell a box of 4.

I have upgraded to power stop coated rotors, and as long as the existing rotors are not rust welded to the Wheel face, it should be an easy job.

I have to disagree with you about the ESC computer needing OEM, unless I missed a bulletin.

 

Hi,

We've touched on this subject quite a bit recently. I went digging around to try and get a sense of what is what, so here is a quick review of my findngs, hoping they help :

• Not all brake parts manufacturers offer kits with spreader springs. Power Stop doesn't, as far as I know.
• 'HD' brakes is a mystery, meaning Jeep included the description early on, but it seems to be less prevalent now, even mostly gone from their vocabulary. We had a Jeep dealership service manager on the forum years ago, and he went digging in the database for answers, and things came back as more confusing than helpful, really. From what I've gathered, 'HD' is BRG with front pad spreader springs, and pads are possibly beefier (have never confirmed this).
• BRG is the code you need to get rotors and pads that fit yours (and all AWD Cherokees).
• There are aftermarket kits that offer front pad spreaders, just look on Rock Auto and you'll see quite a few brands with them. You'll also notice they have the 'HD brakes' mention

I got my front brakes first done at the dealership. They installed BRG Mopar value line, which do not come with spreaders. I've had some friction noises over the past couple years, and I'm sure it's pads lightly rubbing on the rotor, but it's not been a significant problem, just a slight annoyance though on rare occasions only. I have not heard or seen others on this forum complain about unsprung pads rubbing on rotors, so my problem is not common. Many here have installed Power Stop kits and have not complained of this, so you should be good to go.

If you do want spreaders, just know that the pads need to be drilled for this. We had a member just recently who purchased pads from Autozone and they got the BRG (non HD) kit, which did come with spreaders but... the pads were not drilled to accept them. They checked the HD kit, which of course came with the springs also, and the pads were drilled for them.

Edit to add : oh and 'HD brakes' are in the BRG category. All HDs are BRGs, but all BRGs are not HDs...