This member, bossind used an Explorer backing plate that matches. I just want to know what year. He drilled his rotors with a drill press. As far as machining the axel flange, I'd put the truck in gear, let it idle & whip out my bigassed file and go till my caliper (measuring kind) sez the diameter is OK.

I looked at the Bronco Graveyard conversion. While I don't have issues with a lot of GM part useage on my ford (Saginaw pumps, Sanden compressors) I would just as soon stay with blue oval brakes.

 

You probably want to look at the 95 and up 8.8" disc brake Explorers. I haven't seen anything that said any different about the backing plates or the axle flange bolt pattern on the Explorers. Rangers used 3 different patterns and the 9" has some differences but that 2" x 3-9/16" pattern seems standard on the larger truck 8.8".

To drill the lug bolt holes in the rotors you need a drill press with more throat than mine has.

 

Mike i have a 96 too original shoes 217000 miles. The brake shop said they looked 80% or better. I don't think they're being used. How do you adjust? Thanks!

 

With a brake spoon. Remove the rubber plug on the backing plate and turn the star wheel with the spoon until the brake shoes drag a little when you spin the wheel.

 

There is a star spinner for the pad adjustment at the bottom of the drums inside that rubber inspection boot. Grab a flashlight and a small standard screwdriver and spin it a few times. I adjust with the wheel off. You are going to increase the brake shoe contact until it is difficult to slide the drum off. If the drum slides off easily then the shoes are too loose. If you can not get the drum off then they are too tight.

There is a BH of adjustment that will feel perfect. With over 200k I would buy new guts and spring for the drums ($15ish from the parts store).

Good luck and you will feel the back end pull back when the brakes are in adjustment.

Mike

 

Spin it up or down?

 

Tough to say over email. Spin it one way until you can tell if it is tightening or loosening.

For me, the passenger inside top was spun up with the screwdriver prying from the bottom and then the reverse on the driver's side....again tought to specify direction over the forum.

Mike

 

I'm a big believer in helping folks off topic with the basic, simple things...Even the stuff generally handled by the most common of manual or web & site search.

But could we please drag this back to the original topic?

Converting to rear disk brakes?

Thanx , David

 

We may have an opportunity to try the Explorer discs. One of my clients called me today to say that he totaled his 2000 Explorer last weekend. He lives in an apartment complex and he needs to get rid of it. It will depend on whether he can clear the title and if I can make some arrangement with him where I won't wind up "owing" him, if you know what I mean.

 

I've been following this thread as I was the one who started it. I've learned a lot so far. Let us know how the 2000 Explorer thing works out.