Anyone know why front barke pads for 99 to 01 are only about half the price of 02. What changed?

 

I am not sure when the change happened. However, I have noticed a difference.

In early 2002, when I bought my 99 used, the pads were terrible. I tried using Hawk Performance and EBCs for my fronts. I later went back to Lexus pads, AND WHAT A DIFFERENCE. I noticed that the newer ones (maybe the 02s you are referring to) are blue and seem to last a lot longer and a lot better. Maybe better material, but definitely a difference with the newer pads.

 

I don't think thats the difference. I know 99 and some 00 had the brake problems you are describing. I had a 00 and now have a 01 and both have excellent braking and brake wear. Irontoad and all the other sources list one part number pad for 99 to 01 and another part number pad for those manufactured after 7/01 at twice the price. I know my 01 was manufactured before that and therefore should have the 99-01 pads. I now have 70k on the original pads and have no complaints. Very little dusting, no noise, good stopping power, and excellent wear. I am about to order from Irontoad and guess I will get the 99-01 pads. But something must have changed in 02 to double the price and I am not even sure if the pads are interchangeable.