87 2wd Brake Upgrades

[drummerduker]

I just purchased an 87 Ranger 2wd with a manual and 2.9L. The brakes are the first thing to be addressed on the truck especially since two wheels will lock up if the truck has been sitting too long. To remedy this problem I can simply replace the system with similar OE components for an 87. But I just can't simply do that because I love to upgrade when and where I can. So here's my thought:

-Swap in an 8.8" Rear end from a 95+ Explorer with disc brakes (I will get more info on this through another thread!)
-Swap in two piston 95+ Calipers (Requiring an I-beam, steering knuckles, and caliper mounting brackets to swap into my 87)



So my question to all of you who can help is, What else would be required to swap in those front brakes? Do i need the Master? I've found lots of info on this website but it seems to be a little vague for this swap on my particular model year (87). Thanks for the help guys!!!

 

[AllanD]

I used the master cylinder and booster from a 1991 Ranger when I swapped my '87 from the single piston brakes to the two piston brakes.

On your 1987 you will either need brake hoses from a 2wd FOUR-WHEEL-ABS
Ranger OR you will have to revise the hard lines to your front brakes.

Yes, they did make 1995-97 2wd Rangers with ABS.

the NON-4WABS trucks use the top end of the drivers side hose as a junction block
Your 1987 has a seperate junction block mouted to a bracket on the frame rail
(on the top flange just behind the engine crossmember)

I believe your exsisting hard line will connect directly to the ABS drivers side hose

It's only the Drivers side you need to get creative with.

BTW, it'd probably be a good idea to replace the hard lines anyway.

It's a lot of work, but having a line rot out and fail makes whatever brakes
you have connected to the far ends of the line irrelevant.

I replaced all my hardlines with stainless steel.
It was expensive but I'll NEVER have to do it again...

the hard line to my rear brakes rotted out THREE times.
And it failed where it's hardest to get to... between the
gas tank and the frame rail.

It will NEVER fail again.

AD

 

[drummerduker]

Other parts required???

Ok so I've purchased a set of calipers for a 95 Ranger, as well as rotors and pads, and the 95 ABS Brake lines. I'm going to purchase the DJM 89-97 Drop I-beams, but other than those parts im a little clueless as to what parts are required? Heres my problem:

-Spindles, can I use '89 2wd Spindles?
-Tie-rods and balljoints, can I use tie-rods and balljoints specific to my '87 or do I need some '89-95 specific pieces?
-also, any thoughts on a shock/strut for the 3" drop and updated suspension?

THANKS FOR THE HELP GUYS!!!