Hey guys. I've done quite a bit of searching on this subject today and most every thread I came across was open ended and only resulted in people saying there's no point in it. So, if your just going to post that it the upgrade would be minimal, don't bother.. I've already seen your posts.

My reason for switching to disc is b/c they are nicer when wet(off roading) and much easier when it comes to maintenance. The stock drums are too finicky and don't seem to stay adjusted correctly for long, even when well lubricated. So, I have a couple questions since everything I seem to find is open ended and doesn't answer much.

It seems that the easiest way to this mod is using explorer rotors, calipers, etc and getting different e-brake cables made up. My question on this is, how much machining needs to be done on the axle flange? Is any other machining needed? I read somewhere that the rotor itself needed some machining also to make them fit? If anyone has any details on this, I'm interested. I forgot how much I hate these drums until last night when I disassembled the ones on my F-150. Thanks guys

 

I'd like to know this too, Travis.....Because I HATE the loss of braking due to heat sink....And I agree....Pads are a HELLUVA lot easier to deal with, than standard drums...And shed water better too...

On another note; Is the explorers a 5-1/2" bolt pattern? If so, then with the exception of the E-Brake cable, wouldn't it basically be a plug an play system?

 

If you guys want bigger fronts and disk rear look into 04 E150 brakes. Only thing is they wont clear smaller wheels. 18" wheels to clear the brakes.

Factory Big Brake Kit - The National Lightning Owners Club Inc


IIRC the explorer rears are to narrow also.

 

The explorer are NOT 5-1/2" pattern. You have to redrill the rotor for the right bolt pattern, but I don't know if we need to maching the center hole of the rotor larger or anything in addition to that.. I have never looked at a set of explorer brakes, so I have no clue what needs to happen.

Another plus side to switching to rear disc.. If you brake an axle shaft, the axle SHOULDN'T fall out of the axle tube. It should stay in place.

 

Currie Enterprises can fix you up with custom E. brake cables. When routing them, there may be some bracket welding work to do.

 

I would also like to switch to discs. Shoes are a PITA to change. Pads are easy and don't get filled up with mud.

 

tsmmfg.com


8.8 Ford Rear Disc Brake Kit

 

Here is a kit from Jeffs Bronco Graveyard:
8.8" 1984-96 Disc Brake Conv.

 

I had looked at those kits before posting this thread, but not real sure I like using GM parts on my truck. LOL. Has anyone here used these kits that use the Eldorado calipers? I might try it out. I've seen the TSM kit and wasn't real impressed with some small details of it, but I might try out the JBG kit and see how it goes. Uses the same parts as the TSM kit.. Anyone know where to find e-brake cables to fit this conversion?

 

I went ahead and ordered a kit using the caddy calipers. I will be getting the calipers from my local parts store, complete w/ e-brake parts. So, this shouldn't be too hard to do, but I STILL can't find what to do with the e-brake cables. Guess I will just have to find out when I put the axle back under the truck.

 

Just posting to subscribe, and to request that you go into detail on how the upgrade went, along with dollar amount spent; if you don't mind sharing. I would like to do the same with my truck.

 

Alright. I might be able to do that. I'm already $380 into the swap for the kit(rotors, backing plates, hardware) and the stainless braided brake lines including $50 shipping. Looks like NEW calipers w/ parking brakes are around $300 pair, rebuilt calipers are around $215 pair. I will have pics of the kit and everything and I will post up on it after I get it done.

 

when ever i get there, i want to go with the econoline rear setup, i have thing for factory type parts on brakes.

 

I do too, but I did some searching and haven't found any info saying this will or will not work for us, that is why I wanted to use the explorer discs, but that's too much of a PITA with all the machining that has to be done. I have a thing about putting my time into things that are tried and true.

 

EDIT: Ignore that.. Still thinking fronts for some reason..