I too am much more inclined to the Motorcraft brand---its never failed me yet on brake parts. I upfitted my '03 E250 EB 2WD with '08 spec front brake parts and yes completed whined about the higher cost of parts but some 96K miles later I'm still running those parts, nothing even remotely seeming to be problematic. Mind you I changed rotors, calipers, caliper brackets and flexible hoses---had about 658$ in those parts alone in 2013 dollars.

I've not heard of WMB but in this case if your trusted mechanic suggests their use AND he stands behind them that would ease my mind. I do agree re-manufacturing can be a hit or miss proposition and honestly I have a pricey Motorcraft or Ford reman'd steering box explode without a bit of warning at about 86K miles and 4.5 years later. That single incident makes me slightly wary but the NAPA Cardone brand replacement give me a far less satisfying drive so second thinking has me considering maybe I should have opted for another Motorcraft part. Too late for that as this particular van is hopefully on its way to another owner (or being parted out) sometime this year.

Again if your guy has had good luck with the WMB parts and provides a decent warranty I wouldn't worry too much about it. I'm sure he's smart enough to NOT use parts that'll bite him in the butt just to save a few dollars on his end.

I would add strictly as my own opinion and experience sticking with a known brand that's proven itself over time is a good option. There are bound to be missteps along the way but chances are they'll be far less than going with a cheaper brand just for the sake of a few dollars. Having ultra reliable parts gives peace of mind and most likely saves a lot of unexpected repairs going forward.

HTH

 

One of things that affect caliper life is not flushing bad fluid. Brake fluid absorbs water and it will prematurly cause calipers to stick/seize. For all the $ you are spending,flush the old fluid.

 

Excellent point---something most of us would assume has been done but perhaps we need to insist on it being done specifically.

 

JWA,
When yo upgraded to the post 08 parts, was the caliper bracket required?

 

No---I had to source those parts myself. At the time though I'd found a seller out of NYC who had a lot of nearly new take off parts from E-Series---I bought the rotors and caliper brackets from him for less than $200 shipping included. He doesn't seem to have that parts source any longer though, mostly off-brand reman'd stuff I'd not trust for long life.

There should be a ton of those parts in the scrap yards though---look for any E250 from 2008 forward.

 

Did you notice enough of a difference that it makes it worthwhile to swap?
I can find used calipers to rebuild on line.
I can get rotors the same wy.
I hadn't thought about the bracket.

The closest real salvage yard to me is a couple hours away. I've never seen an 08 or newer van there. I almost wonder if the newer stuff gets sent to their STL location or maybe they sell them online. I need to check into it.

 

 

The E250 I upgraded runs a bit heavy (7800#) as a daily driver---full of tools and supplies for my windshield biz----with the GVW of the E250's at 8,600# that's a bit too close to suit me. This upgrade won't throw you through the windshield when you stomp on the brake pedal but there is a significant difference. When stopping quickly from 65 MPH or so you can feel there's more than enough braking power to slow down without brake fade etc. FWIW this works only on the E250's and E250's of the later years--E350's naturally have larger brakes and a master cylinder too.

I'd say its worth the money and work but that really depends how loaded your van runs on a regular basis.

Parts-wise you can find a lot of great nearly new take off stuff through eBay or LKQ Online too.

 

Thanks for the info JWA.
I have an 07, E350. I had thought the E250/350 shared the same brakes. I dont intend to haul real heavy but may picking up a Travel Trailer.

MarinBlaine,
I'm going to give those calipers a look over.