ranger to ranger disc brake conversion??

[1991 Blue danger ranger]

i found a ranger, 2010 or 2011 at a yard, and it has complete disc brakes, on an 8.8. how easy can this conversion be done? i have a 91 ranger, with an 03 8.8 (swapped the axle for a limited slip full unit) how likely is it that this is a bolt on conversion? short of the park brake cables, i know ill have to deal with those regardless, hopefully just stealing them from the truck there lol. LMK!! if its even possible ill give it a try, and if it doesn't suck ill try and make a tech library post...

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Not really. 2010/11 is a unique axle that doesn't exactly plug and play with anything else iirc.

This is a question for other pj - @pjtoledo

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Yeah, for a disk brake conversion I’d either go to an Explorer axle or see about something like a Mustang brake conversion

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Yeah, for a disk brake conversion I’d either go to an Explorer axle or see about something like a Mustang brake conversion

This

Parts are more common as well, Explorer stuff will be dying out but Mustang will be available forever.

 

[1991 Blue danger ranger]

This

Parts are more common as well, Explorer stuff will be dying out but Mustang will be available forever.

yeah, the mustang brakes were my initial plan, just wondering if the ranger discs were any easier haha. thanks for the info!! i am wondering though, would i be able to use ranger disc park brake cables? i understand the usual is a universal set, or to take the mustang ones, but wouldn't a set of matching wheelbase ranger cables be a perfect fit?? assuming the caliper design is similar, which to be honest id be surprised if not, especially since they're both 8.8s. thanks again!

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

yeah, the mustang brakes were my initial plan, just wondering if the ranger discs were any easier haha. thanks for the info!! i am wondering though, would i be able to use ranger disc park brake cables? i understand the usual is a universal set, or to take the mustang ones, but wouldn't a set of matching wheelbase ranger cables be a perfect fit?? assuming the caliper design is similar, which to be honest id be surprised if not, especially since they're both 8.8s. thanks again!

I very highly doubt it.

I have an Explorer axle in mine and the Explorer cables were totally different than a Ranger set.

 

[Uncle Gump]

I would never convert to disc brakes if that system used a drum brake system for the park brake.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I would never convert to disc brakes if that system used a drum brake system for the park brake.

Everything I own is like that lol.

 

[rubydist]

I put Mustang rear disk brakes on my 03 Ranger back in the day and was able to use the park brake cables to make that work. Its been long enough ago that I don't recall all the details, but it worked fine.

I need to find a Mustang in the jy to harvest those parts so I can do the same thing for the 01 that I have now. They are getting harder to find...

 

[lowspeedpursuit]

I would never convert to disc brakes if that system used a drum brake system for the park brake.

Honestly kind of agree. Drum-in-hat's biggest weakness is not being self-adjusting. Half of what I use my truck for, the parking brake is almost more important than the rear brakes.

That said, the Explorer axle is a strength upgrade with 1/4"+ lift and discs as a bonus.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Honestly kind of agree. Drum-in-hat's biggest weakness is not being self-adjusting. Half of what I use my truck for, the parking brake is almost more important than the rear brakes.

That said, the Explorer axle is a strength upgrade with 1/4"+ lift and discs as a bonus.

Depending on your wants/needs 91-94 Explorer axle has drum brakes.

 

[pjtoledo]

yeah, the mustang brakes were my initial plan, just wondering if the ranger discs were any easier haha. thanks for the info!! i am wondering though, would i be able to use ranger disc park brake cables? i understand the usual is a universal set, or to take the mustang ones, but wouldn't a set of matching wheelbase ranger cables be a perfect fit?? assuming the caliper design is similar, which to be honest id be surprised if not, especially since they're both 8.8s. thanks again!

quick clarification, the difference in wheel bases are made up with the mid section of the cable.
the pedal section & axle sections are all basically the same. until you get to 2010.
I did have an issue with an inch or 2 with the rears on my 2000. so nothing is for certain.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Honestly kind of agree. Drum-in-hat's biggest weakness is not being self-adjusting. Half of what I use my truck for, the parking brake is almost more important than the rear brakes.

That said, the Explorer axle is a strength upgrade with 1/4"+ lift and discs as a bonus.

No, drum in hat’s biggest weakness is rust. Followed closely by all the parts being hidden mostly behind the axle flange and the non-self-adjusting. It’s enough to make me consider things like a line lock on the brake lines or something a little more radical like trying to do a pinion brake and just gut the stupid drum-in-hat stuff

 

[pjtoledo]

Mustang and some early Taurus rear discs use the caliper for the parking brake.
they work in reverse just as good as forward.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Mustang and some early Taurus rear discs use the caliper for the parking brake.
they work in reverse just as good as forward.

I’ve thought about that too. Might have to figure out what donors to look for to get parts