Front Disc Brakes and Rotor 4x4 Ranger 4.0l Auto Locking Hubs Question

[Angry Possum]

Can anyone advise. I need to replace my Front Disc Brakes and a Rotor. I have a 1993 Ranger 4x4 4.0L. XLT Super Cab.. I'm confused on which brakes and rotor to purchase. On the Rock Auto website it's saying Steel Piston and or Phenolic piston. I'm not sure what that means. Photos enclosed. Can anyone advise which Rotors and Front Brake Pads I need please.

 

[Angry Possum]

How do I know if I have Steel or Phenolic piston.

 

[Angry Possum]

I thought this would be an easy order. I was wrong.

 

[Uncle Gump]

To know for sure you would have to remove the caliper then pads and look at the piston.

Not sure I've ever anything but steel pistons on a Ranger. Also appears that yhe police package gets the phenolic piston.

 

[Angry Possum]

To know for sure you would have to remove the caliper then pads and look at the piston.

Not sure I've ever anything but steel pistons on a Ranger. Also appears that yhe police package gets the phenolic piston.

Also, if u can, what does Axle 84 and rear gear ratio 3.45 signify?

 

[Angry Possum]

PS I also have rear drum brakes. If this helps.

 

[Uncle Gump]

Sounds like an axle code... there is a chart in the tech library that will break down codes.

3.45 is the gear ratio... pinion turns 3.45 times for every one time the ring gear makes a full revolution.

 

[Uncle Gump]

PS I also have rear drum brakes. If this helps.

These can have 9 or 10 inch drums so you should measure.

 

[Angry Possum]

I'll measure them later today.

 

[rubydist]

I didn't know they had a police interceptor version of the Ranger in 1993. I suppose that would have been okay for chasing down a kid on a bike...

 

[55trucker]

I didn't know they had a police interceptor version of the Ranger in 1993. I suppose that would have been okay for chasing down a kid on a bike...

Nah, those were the special brake pads that were used on the trucks in the series Baywatch, the lifeguard emergency vehicles had to be able to suddenly come to a full stop in sand.

But on a more serious note: to the OP, pull off a wheel, inspect the rotor for size, pay particular attention to the depth of the *hat*, is what you have a deep *hat* or a shallow *hat*. Disregard all listings that state RWD, those will be for a rear wheel drive only vehicle.

 

[Angry Possum]

Maybe I'll just order them locally. I'm still confused, I really don't wanna F..k up the order.

 

[don4331]

I'll measure them later today.

Size should be stamped in the drum (but depending on amount of rust, can be hard to read.

A quick reference - if they are finned they are 9", if they are smooth, they are 10". Which works for OEM. But it someone has install finned Aerostar 10", it can throw that test off.

Rotors:
3.45 ratio is only available from Ford with 3.0 engine. As you have a 4.0, not applicable. Uncheck RWD and unspecified and you have 5 choices varying by about $15..

Pads:
Ford used same pads in Aerostar, Bronco, Crown Vic, Econoline vans, Explorer F series truck and Ranger in '93.

Ignore the Police Interceptor and Phenolic piston ones - they are for Crown Vics.

You can go more aggressive with semi metallic pads if you want. (Be aware they will wear rotors faster.)​

 

[Angry Possum]

Size should be stamped in the drum (but depending on amount of rust, can be hard to read.

A quick reference - if they are finned they are 9", if they are smooth, they are 10". Which works for OEM. But it someone has install finned Aerostar 10", it can throw that test off.

Rotors:
3.45 ratio is only available from Ford with 3.0 engine. As you have a 4.0, not applicable. Uncheck RWD and unspecified and you have 5 choices varying by about $15..

Pads:
Ford used same pads in Aerostar, Bronco, Crown Vic, Econoline vans, Explorer F series truck and Ranger in '93.

Ignore the Police Interceptor and Phenolic piston ones - they are for Crown Vics.

You can go more aggressive with semi metallic pads if you want. (Be aware they will wear rotors faster.)​

Thanks this is the info I needed. Appreciate it Don.

 

[tw205]

The phenolic ones are a hard plastic material more susceptible to heat deformation than metal pistons. Of the three gear ratios offered , 3.45 3.73 4.10. For whatever reason the 3.73 geared trucks got 2 1/2” thick rotors. The others are 2 1/4. That’s measured laying on a flat surface to the top of the bearing race