1998 Ranger brakes repair/upgrade, best quality parts?

[ThermonuclearWarrior]

The time is coming to do the brakes on my 98 Ranger soon... I have been contemplating an explorer rear axle swap to get 4 wheel disc. Or converting to Mustang GT brakes. Also just getting better quality replacement for the stock parts. Any suggestions? Also, what about ceramic shoes for the rear drums? Since I plan to go with ceramic pads for the front... not 100% on brake hardware. Any help is welcomed!

 

[hopster]

fresh surfaces on the rotors and drums, fresh hardware, and quality ceramics will do real nice and last well.

 

[ThermonuclearWarrior]

Not sure what shape the rotors/drums are in. If I can get away with only shoes/pads I might. I am very interested in rear disc conversion so I can do ceramic all the way around. But enh...

 

[hopster]

if you do go to rear disc i recommend an adjustable proportioning valve to get max stopping power without locking up the rear wheels.

 

[ThermonuclearWarrior]

Is it possible to get 4 wheel ABS?

 

[john.masce]

Bro just keep what you have, but use quality from NAPA.

 

[85broncduece]

Bro just keep what you have, but use quality from NAPA.

x2

 

[adsm08]

If I can get away with only shoes/pads I might.

You should always have your drums or rotors resurfaced when you replace the friction material. You are looking to get the most stopping force out of your brakes, well you will never get it without resurfacing. The glaze that builds on the face of the hard parts is slick, doesn't let the friction material grab as well.