O/T Brakes on Truck

I know this is off topic but was wondering if anyone else has had a problem with there disc brake pads not wanting to slide in the holders?
Got a 2000 Silverado 2500 6 liter auto truck and just went to autozone and bought new rotors pads and the hardware kits for them and the pads don"t want to fit onto the slides that hold them in, On this truck there is a bracket that fits over the rotor that holds the pads.Then the caliper slips over this, On this bracket there is 2 little sheetmetal deals that fit into the bracket and then the pads have slots that fit over these sheetmetal deals on the bracket and then the whole thing slips over the rotor then the caliper slips over this and all gets bolted to the axle. well the problem is that the slots in the brake pads don"t fit over the sheetmetal deals and if you force them on then the pad wont float like it should and this would cause the brakes to drag. Called AutoZone and they said all the part numbers were right on the parts I bought and to just file the slots out untill they fit? Anyone else have this problem? Just don"t seem like you should have to file on these to make them fit! Bought there premium parts not the cheaper ones thought they would be better in the long run? Did talk to a mechanic friend and he said he has had to do this before? I never have and have done brakes on everything I've ever owned! Just wondering if anyone else has had to do this before?
Thanks Bob

Sounds kinda odd to me, too. Are you trying to fit the pads into the bracket with the bracket off? If not that might help. Another thought is one of those forehead smacking killers that I hate to even bring up. Are you doing all four wheels? You're not trying to put pads for the front on the rear or vice versa are you?

On a 1500 I might question whether there is a difference in the pads etc between trucks with and without trailer towing packages, but that shouldn't be an issue on a 2500.

How do they compare for contour etc to your old pads? If the only diffference is the width of the slots in the tangs on the end, it may be the only way out is filing/grinding them to fit, but I wouldn't like the idea myself.

Look and see where they were made, many name-brand parts are made in China, and they don't fit right. Takes extra time to install.

Yep,

And it doesn't seem to matter where you buy them, or how much you pay. Have had that very same issue on every Silverado pickup that I have had the pleasure to put pads on. Also have had it on Olds Bravada's.

Hit the contact area on the pad back'n plate with a file,,, its standard practice in the trade,,, OEM,,,the best aftermarket replacement are the cheap chit it all needs some fiddling with,,, nuttin fits anymore deal with it

That is an issue on the K-2500 with a trailer towing package. on the rear of mine I had one pad wear out real fast. when I was replacing them. along with all 4 roters, "All had pits in them." I had to file the Left back pad to make it fit, I have had to do this on other vehicles in the past.

You said it right there, AUTOZONE. Quit shopping there and go to Oreilly's or Carquest and the parts will fit like they were made to go on there. Az is ok for stuff like oil, and maybe a hose, but parts you need for your truck to be dependable and safe, stay away from there.

They're supposed to fit snug so they don't rattle. If they were really tight, I'd brush the rust out of the caliper brackets. Been a GM dealer tech for years and have never had to file pads to fit anything.

I had the same problem with 1999 silerado. It was a 1500 series. I too bought the pads at Auto Zone. And like you, I never had to tweek brake parts in the past, in order for them to fit. First thing I thought of was China Junk. Make sure they slide freely. Wouldn't want the pad sticking tight against the rotor.

The 2500 front and back pads are a different lenght. I dont know why they have to be but they are. look tike if they made them the same they could save money.

Read comments again from Brian....Jasper Co. Ia.

You seem like just the guy to ask something. I've got a 2006 G2500. I have 335k miles on it now, and still original brake pads, is this not uncommon anymore? For that matter have original serp belt, and everything, except for one front wheel bearing. I am getting that GM coolant leak through the intake manifold though.