2008 FX4 Disc Swap

[Nate_DNR]

Ok so I've been looking at the rear disc brake swap using cobra hardware. But from what I'm seeing it wont work for my 08 FX4.

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/ford_ranger_rear_disc_brake_conversion.shtml

This modification only works on the Ford 7.5-inch and 28-spline 8.8-inch axles.

IT DOES NOT work on the:

2002 FX4 Off Road

2003~2007 FX4 Level II (but NOT FX4 Off Road)

2008~2009 FX4 Off Road (only when equipped with the "XR8" option - Torsen diff/31-spline/4.10 ratio).

so what options do I have for installing discs on the rear of my FX4?

 

[vista4.0]

Take a look at swapping parts from an explorer axle. It has discs and is also 31 spline.

 

[Nate_DNR]

Ok, so with my 8.8 being a 28 spline, then swapping to cobra brakes should theoretically work?

 

[gw33gp]

Isn't that what you stated in you original post? "This modification only works on the Ford 7.5-inch and 28-spline 8.8-inch axles."

 

[Nate_DNR]

The wording is just a little weird and I thought I had 31 spline axles. Guess only the level II came with them. I just wanted to be sure before I start buying parts, thanks for the help

 

[vista4.0]

Just be sure to check your axle code on the inside of the door to be sure or what axle you have.

 

[kirk3000]

I just this past weekend swapped discs onto the rear of my 2008 fx4. I did it by taking the outers (caliper mount, rotor and caliper) from an explorer (95-01) and bolting it to my 31 spline ranger 8.8. The problem I ran into was that the caliper mounting bracket is 1/4" thicker than the drum backing plate so when I put everything together my axle shafts were too short to put the c clips in. I had to use the axle shafts from the explorer to get it all to work together. I have not seen anybody else post info on this exact swap so I decided to wing it and it all worked well for me. I did not change my master cylinder and I am happy with the brake balance front/rear.
Also this will widen your rear wms-wms by 1 inch .

 

[Bloodybrains]

Hey! So you just swapped the shafts and the bearing / seal surface isn't hanging 1" out? The additional offset is outside of that?

I ran in to the same thing but, got the c-clips in and ran it! I get some noise once and awhile from the e-brake springs contacting the wheel studs. Not good ; )

 

[Bloodybrains]

Update

Installing the Explorer shafts pushes the discs out too far. Basically it's inverting the original issue.

We too installed the Explorer shafts but, machined 7/16" spacers to push the caliper bracket/backing plates out so the E-brake shoes are completely inside of the discs.

Our other Ranger is just getting the whole axle. That's just easier.

 

[Revtach]

I just this past weekend swapped discs onto the rear of my 2008 fx4. I did it by taking the outers (caliper mount, rotor and caliper) from an explorer (95-01) and bolting it to my 31 spline ranger 8.8. The problem I ran into was that the caliper mounting bracket is 1/4" thicker than the drum backing plate so when I put everything together my axle shafts were too short to put the c clips in. I had to use the axle shafts from the explorer to get it all to work together. I have not seen anybody else post info on this exact swap so I decided to wing it and it all worked well for me. I did not change my master cylinder and I am happy with the brake balance front/rear.
Also this will widen your rear wms-wms by 1 inch .

I ran into the same issue. I just had to disassemble the parking brake mechanism in order to push the shaft in far enough to get the c-clips in. Once the c-clips were in I was able to reassemble the parking brake mechanism and everything works perfectly with no clearance issues.

How did running the explorer shafts end up working out?