I installed Akebono's ACT1611 on the front of my 2018 Explorer XLT (they get the 352mm HD front brakes, same as the SHO non-PP) and the Edge Code is FF. Stock edge code was FG, also made by Akebono (OEM factory). I didn't feel any improvement in braking performance. From day 1 of this 2018 Explorer, the braking was never very confident. Coming from a SHO and a Fusion Sport, I had to brake hard very early with the explorer to get it to stop where I wanted. I am going to try Akebono's ASP1611 pads in the near future, as those have a GG edge code and are supposed to be better for performance. The Akebono ACT1377B rear pads have a GG edge code FWIW.
Ford uses Akebono for their factory pads in many many many applications. My 07 Mustang GT's stock pads were all Akebono and were low dust and lasted damn near forever. Stopping power wasn't jawbreaking by any means. But they are soft on the rotors and the pads last a long time. Negative aspect is they have a tough time removing bad rust from the rotors and aren't the best for outright braking power.