Upgrade Rear Axle?
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Nashville, TN
Upgrade Rear Axle?
I'm sure this has been covered before but I have found no real answers yet. Staring at my 1964 F100 chassis, planning its resurrection... I'm thinking, "Man, it would be so nice just to run down to the salvage yard and pick up a newer rear axle... maybe with disc brakes!" Dreamy I know, but what are the chances? Any matches known without too many mods? I am planning front disc conversion and keeping the 292 and manual trans.
Posting Guru
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potential options for adding discs to your existing rear?
Ford 9" Disc Brake Conversion - Hot Rod Forum : Hotrodders Bulletin Board
Ford 9" Disc Brake Conversion - Hot Rod Forum : Hotrodders Bulletin Board
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Senior User
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From: Nashville, TN
Thanks for the tips, guys! Yeah, nothing like rebuilding a slick as an excuse to brush up on your welding skills! I definitely would like all disc brakes, but conversion kits are pricey.
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Just remember, the parking (emergency) brake can be an issue with rear disc conversions. Stock parking brakes like my '98 Exploder are weak sisters. You'd die in a ball of flames if you ever really had to stop that thing with those dinky little shoes, all crumbly and such.....
Beef up the bigger drum brakes and put your money into an OD trans, supercharger or gold truck nutz, something worthwhile that people will notice......
Beef up the bigger drum brakes and put your money into an OD trans, supercharger or gold truck nutz, something worthwhile that people will notice......
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From: Nashville, TN
Thx for the advice, 85! Been reading about Explorer rear axles/brakes as an upgrade option from the link: 1948 through 1960 Ford F-1 and F-100 Rear Axle (differential) Swaps .: Articles
Brakes (i.e. disc or drum) -
"If you've got to have rear discs and don't want to spend about $700. USD for a bolt on kit, then consider -
1. 89 -01 - Ford Explorer 59 - �" flange to flange.
All Explorer rear ends are the same 5 on 4 �" bolt pattern.
8.8" rear ends - come with 3.25, 3.55, 3.73 and 4.11 gears.
89-94 = drum brakes only.
94-97 = drum or disc brakes
97-01 = disc Brakes only
Can use an 8" rim with 3 �" backspacing and P235/75R-15 tires"
I wonder how easily an 01 would bolt up and what kind of problems I might run into with the different gear ratio (than my stock 3.89) besides speedo? Going to a 5 on 4 bolt pattern, I assume I could match those on the front when I order my front disc conversion kit? I'm thinking this route would be cheapest because I can get that complete rear axle (salvage) for around $200 (I just replaced one in my wife's Explorer). I'll keep researching but all input is appreciated. Anybody used an Explorer axle before?
Brakes (i.e. disc or drum) -
"If you've got to have rear discs and don't want to spend about $700. USD for a bolt on kit, then consider -
1. 89 -01 - Ford Explorer 59 - �" flange to flange.
All Explorer rear ends are the same 5 on 4 �" bolt pattern.
8.8" rear ends - come with 3.25, 3.55, 3.73 and 4.11 gears.
89-94 = drum brakes only.
94-97 = drum or disc brakes
97-01 = disc Brakes only
Can use an 8" rim with 3 �" backspacing and P235/75R-15 tires"
I wonder how easily an 01 would bolt up and what kind of problems I might run into with the different gear ratio (than my stock 3.89) besides speedo? Going to a 5 on 4 bolt pattern, I assume I could match those on the front when I order my front disc conversion kit? I'm thinking this route would be cheapest because I can get that complete rear axle (salvage) for around $200 (I just replaced one in my wife's Explorer). I'll keep researching but all input is appreciated. Anybody used an Explorer axle before?
Posting Guru
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i don't have my notes in front of me...but i don't think any of the Explorer rear ends are wide enough. you'd have to use spacers.
i agree with 85- just put good drums on, and save the money for another project.
i agree with 85- just put good drums on, and save the money for another project.
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
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From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
desertwest, There is no bolt up exchange available. There has been some successful modding that with a little digging will show up.
I can't disagree with the overall, but one biggie to point out, that parking brake is NOT a stopping brake but rather a holding brake. It should not be used for stopping but once, after all else has failed. 
John
Just remember, the parking (emergency) brake can be an issue with rear disc conversions. Stock parking brakes like my '98 Exploder are weak sisters. You'd die in a ball of flames if you ever really had to stop that thing with those dinky little shoes, all crumbly and such....
John
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Senior User
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From: Nashville, TN
That's what I was thinking!
Elder User
Joined: May 2010
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From: Valley Center, CA
What the hell does anyone need rear discs for if they've gone to a front disc conversion??...most of your braking
is with fronts anyway. Stick a later (70 to 79) in the thing and be done with it.
is with fronts anyway. Stick a later (70 to 79) in the thing and be done with it.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Feb 2000
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From: Sun River St. George
New drums, cylinders, spring kits and bearings are available for what you already own. Add disks in front and a dual chamber MC with a booster and you will have really good and reliable brakes and not break the bank. This is the setup I used for years. Drove daily in Atlanta traffic worked like a charm. IMHO!
Posting Guru
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found my notes:
8.8 widths
86 to 93 V8 mustangs 58.75"
90 to 97 Ford Ranger 58.75
94 to 2003 Ford Exploders 59.75
90 to 95 Aerostar 59.75
79 to 2002 crown vic 62.8"
1973 f100 63"
crown vic 62.8"
1972 f100 61.25"
explorer 59.5"
crown vic is .2" shorter from the 73-79 9" width
crown vic is 1.55" wider than the 59-72 9" width
explorer axles are 1.75" shorter than 57-72 9" width
8.8 widths
86 to 93 V8 mustangs 58.75"
90 to 97 Ford Ranger 58.75
94 to 2003 Ford Exploders 59.75
90 to 95 Aerostar 59.75
79 to 2002 crown vic 62.8"
1973 f100 63"
crown vic 62.8"
1972 f100 61.25"
explorer 59.5"
crown vic is .2" shorter from the 73-79 9" width
crown vic is 1.55" wider than the 59-72 9" width
explorer axles are 1.75" shorter than 57-72 9" width
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