1990 2wd drive upgrades

[Ramcharger90]

So I would like to do that cobra brake upgrade but im I cant find the brakets hub online (the ones I will actually need) my phone has a chevy fetish every time I look for stuff I get chevy junk. P.s I hate GM mostly. But I digress. Any links or other options for this no rush I already have new brakes all around so in a year or so after they fade from the 5.0 would be nice.

 

[Bird76Mojo]

Do you have an 8.8" rear axle?

 

[Ramcharger90]

Yes from a 97 exploder 373lsd with discs put it in ove the winter

 

[Bird76Mojo]

So you want the Cobra's on the rear then? The Cobra rear rotors are 11.6", while all Explorer 95-01 rotors are 11.0" - Not much of a difference.

Looks like this guy makes some rear kits: https://www.littleshopmfg.com/ford-7-5-8-8-explorer/

If it's the front brakes you're after, then you'll be making your own brackets. I searched high and low and no one is still making any brackets these days. I'll be making my own.

Here's one option, and if you ask about the Ranger kits and what kind of deal can be had, they may offer you a small discount. They told me they'd like to move the parts off the shelf, and it was a good discount, but still too expensive for my taste. http://www.tceperformanceproducts.com/no-title/kits-57/


Additional resources: https://therangerstation.com/tech_library/Brake_Upgrades.shtml

https://therangerstation.com/tech_library/sport_trac_12-inch_rotor_swap.shtml

https://www.ranger-forums.com/engine-drivetrain-122/how-front-cobra-disc-brake-conversion-104577/

https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/index.php?threads/1st-gen-2wd-to-95-97-ranger-brake-upgrade-using-12-sport-trac-rotors.387173/



GB

 

[don4331]

Yes from a 97 exploder 373lsd with discs put it in ove the winter

Explorer rear brakes are a serious upgrade over Mustang brakes.

Both base and Cobra Mustang brakes use 38mm piston in caliper (1154mm^2 area for fluid to push on).
Explorer uses 48mm piston in caliper (1810mm^2 area). So, ~60% more braking force even after you factor in the slightly smaller rotor.

And that makes sense - Mustang is designed around GVWR of 4.5k lbs; towing trailer not recommended. Explorer has GVWR of 5.5k and has a GCWR of 11k lbs.

So, I wouldn't replace Explorer discs with Mustang ones for performance reasons.

p.s. The extra mass of the integral parking brake somewhat makes up for lack of venting.

https://www.ranger-forums.com/engine-drivetrain-122/how-front-cobra-disc-brake-conversion-104577/ Kit was out of production in 2010. Know the individual who made them; his shop was just down street from ours (I've moved; he still might be there). He did good work, but I don't like brake mounts made out of aluminum - personal thing. Note: Saleen recalled the aluminum big brake adapters in his Explorers and replaced them with steel.

 

[Ramcharger90]

I was gonna leave the rears alone I just wanted something better up front plus that stupid pin keeps sliding out part way

 

[Dirtman]

Just switching to EBC sport rotors and yellow stuff pads is quite an upgrade for the front...

 

[Ramcharger90]

Just switching to EBC sport rotors and yellow stuff pads is quite an upgrade for the front...

No idea they made rotors for the older rangers

 

[Este...Van]

hello, i actually made a kit of my own with 14 inc rotors i’ll put up pictures i just need to find them lol let me know if you need help

 

[scotts90ranger]

If you're still looking at options, check out the '95-97 brakes, they're twin piston instead of single, my '97 stops on a dime, front is very controllable, rear is unpredictable so will get a 31 spline 8.8 at some point with disc brakes since I'll have two available next year...