94 front brakes upgrade from a 97

[mtnrgr]

I have read about this upgrade from the 95-97 rangers to 93-94 rangers. Going from the single piston caliper to the dual piston caliper. My friend is closing down his junkyard, so he getting rid of it all. He has a few rangers I will be getting some parts from. He has a 2wd 97 ranger that has been sitting for about 5 years..brakes untouched. I am looking at doing this to my 94.

What all would I need from the 97 to complete this onto my 94?

 

[mtnrgr]

I have read I need the calipers, steering knuckles, rotors from a 97.

Is there anything else I need to complete this swap?

 

[Bgunner]

Just the steering knuckles and the brakes. Probably best to put new rotors and pads in since its been sitting so long. Potentially ball joints if yours are worn at all since you are already that deep into it.

 

[racsan]

I cant copy/paste with my phone very well, I believe theres some information either in the tech write ups or the forum brake section dealing with it. Definitely do ball joints! Ive got a set of ‘97 knuckles & will be doing this upgrade once its nice out again.

 

[mtnrgr]

With the calipers being old, how can I tell if they are bad or good?

Heard the 97 has bigger rotors then the 94, getting rotors..would I get them for a 97?

For pads, would I also get those for a 97, does the same go with ball joints?

Reason I am asking these questions are for to make sure I get all the right parts. My brakes were done a little over a year ago with all ford parts. Had my alignment done a few days ago and all is good, including all ball joints. I will get what I need from the 97, and will piece it all together. When it comes time to do brakes again, I will have everything to have my alignment mechanic do it.

 

[Bgunner]

You really can not tell if they are good or bad by a visual inspection unless they are leaking. Put them on and drive, see if it pulls to one side or the other to know. Some times when pushing the pistons back in if the caliper is seized you can tell as it will be very difficult to push the pistons back in.

Yes you would get rotors for the 97 along with the brake pads. The same goes for the bearings which should be replaced with the rotors anyways.

Ball joints are the same part number for both years so it wont matter as to what year you look for, either the 94 or the 97.

 

[mtnrgr]

Have looked into this more, and before I get these parts. I have another question, what is the real advantage to this?

I have used 15" rims with 31" tires for over 20 years using the single piston calipers. I have always used ford brake parts, and my truck has always stopped great.

Any explanation will be very helpful.

 

[Bgunner]

The Dual pistons give a higher more even clamping force to the pads allowing a larger tire to stop easier. With the upgrade the brakes will grab sooner in the pedals travel giving you a firmer feel with less pressure applied. The larger disks also help with the braking force as there is a larger surface for the pads to grab onto. when it comes to being loaded the brakes will have more stopping force to slow the truck down with the added weight and not have mush less fade due to less heat being generated.

In short a firmer better feeling pedal, do to more stopping power, when the brakes are applied.

 

[mtnrgr]

Really appreciate your help. I spoke with my friend and I told him what I am after. Instead of taking it all apart at the yard. He is giving me both i-beams with the whole brake assembly attached as one piece. I will get them picked up soon and start redoing everything next year, and will have my mechanic change out the I beams from my 94 to the 97's. I will scrap my old parts and make a few bucks.

 

[SenorNoob]

Be aware it's a VERY significant difference. If you aren't prepared for it, you will nose down the truck the first time you brake.

 

[Dirtman]

Brakes is for stopping.

 

[Curious Hound]

Brakes is for stopping.

Yup