OK Guys. I've put 18 X 7.5 wheels with 255/40 X18 tires on my truck. The increase in tire/wheel (unsprung) weight has made a noticeable difference in my stopping distances. Which I expected. I was wondering if anyone knows if there is a kit with larger discs available for the ranger. I've looked at the SSB web site and they have a conversion kit for drums to disc for the rear but only in stock size. Any ideas/suggestions? Also this is a 3.0 with auto trans that I'm planing to supercharge in the not to distant future. I don't think the stock rear end will hold up. So was wondering if a rear from some other Ford product, like a Bronco, Explorer etc with bolt in? That might also give me the larger rear discs I'm looking for.
Thanks for any help you can give me.

 

An 8.8" Exlporer rear end will work, although some model years will be wider than the Ranger rear end. Also, as I'm sure you're aware, the springs on the Explorer mount beneath the axle and not on top like they do on a Ranger.

Most Rangers with 4.0L engines come with 8.8" rear ends as well. This would be a better fit, and then you'd just have to convert the drum brakes to discs. I can't see why the rear disc brakes off of a 96+ Cobra wouldn't work as it uses the 8.8" rear end as well. Making provisions for the parking brake might be the only concern you will have with that setup.

Bart

 

Thanks Bart, I appreciate the help. I'll look into it.

 

I have a 99 Ranger SC 2 dr w/ 3.0L auto and 7.5" rear. I recently went the route of the SSBC rear disc kit along w/ putting in a used limited slip unit.

The brakes do work a bit better (my feeling, no testing done to confirm) but I think it could still use more line pressure, although it isn't a requirement by SSBC. I still have the stock power booster, etc., and as far as I know the Explorers have the same unit w/ rear disc. Not sure of a more powerful factory unit available.

If I was to do this over again, and especially if I was to plan on a blower and more hp mods, I think I would swap in a 94 (95?) and newer Explorer 8.8" rear w/ factory rear disc. From what I've read, the Explorer units have slightly larger bearing sizes than the 8.8" rears in 4.0L and 4x4 Rangers. Short of a narrowed 9", this is most likely the best option for a Ranger rear w/ serious power.

Yes, you will either need to weld in new spring perches along w/ shock mounts, or if you want a lower stance anyway, use the Explorer mounts under the axle to drop your truck 3" to 4".

My setup is alright but other than a set of headers and a chip/programmer, I don't think I will add any further power mods. At this point, I can't see spending the $3K on a blower when I would rather get a new 4.0L 4 dr in the near future. I have been pleased w/ my 3.0L but there seems to be many more aftermarket parts available for the 4.0L than the 3.0L.

Good luck.

 

Thanks Miscab. Valuable information. If you'll go to the gallery of 02 rangers and look up my truck you'll see I've already have to much tied up in my 02 to start over again with a 4.0 2005 model. I agree that would have been a smarter choice. But this truck has waited over 40 years (I got married and raised a family instead) to get built and I'm having way to much fun to stop now. I've already told my son that if I live long enough he's going to inherit a $250,000.00 Ranger.

Just wanted to correct/add a few things from my first post. (Senior Moment) The tires are 255/55 X18 not 255/40's, and the truck has alredy been dropped 4"F/5"R with a "Ground Force" kit.

Thanks again

Nick the Memphis Senior

 

I'm not usually into lowered trucks, but that's one nice looking Ranger

 

Thanks, I appreciate the encouragement. I've been accused of going though my 2nd childhood for doing this. To which I reply "GUILTY."

 

I Love the grill and hood!! Where did you get them/what manufacturer? They are nice additions, but not too crazy. Just right! I also see you kept the CB antenna. lol! Awesome! I have one too, altho mounted on the passenger side bed rail near the rear.

 

The grill is a "Street Scene" "Speed" grill purchased from "stylinconcepts.com." I like the looks better than a "billet" grill. If you're interested the bumper cover and fog lights were also purchased from stylinconcepts. To tell the truth though, I think they are a bit pricey (grill is about $140.00 plus shipping) and you MIGHT do a bit better on Ebay. Got the hood from a little speed shop in Phoenix, AZ. (Sorry I don't remember the name) Got it on Ebay. It's a "Reflexxion" Cowl Induction hood. You can get the all steel hood from stylin also but again it's a bit pricey, about $450.00 plus shipping. About the CB. I've had one in EVERY vehicle I've owned since 1972 or so. Think they only had 19 or 20 channels back then. I don't leave home without it. Mounted the antenna where I did because I didn't have any other choice. Have a hard cover on the bed and the rear bumper is gone.