Brake Job Requirements

[eighthundreddollaranger]

I have a 92 RWD automatic Ranger that, as far as I am aware, has never had more than a routine brake job done to it, and it sat for a few years at a time before it got to me. I was planning on just replacing the rotors, pads, calipers, caliper pins, drums, shoes, and the hardware that comes with the pads and rotors and drums and shoes packs on rockauto, but, from looking around, it seems like that may not be enough. What other parts might need to be replaced and how do I test them to see if they're still good?

 

[Uncle Gump]

I would replace the wheel cylinders in the back. I would also inspect all the steel brake lines really well... replace as necessary. Then you have three rubber hoses... they degrade... and fail... do those too. Regular hardware spring kits don't always have the star wheel adjusters and adjusting cables... as old as they are... replace those too. Inspect the rear axle seals... replace as necessary.

Now you also need to know if you have 9 or 10 inch drums. 9 inch drums will have cooling fins around the outside.

 

[mikkelstuff]

Plan to flush out all the rusty looking brake fluid.

Also, this is a great time to upgrade to Mustang rear disc brakes. The how to information is on this website. I wrote up a journal with photos when I did the upgrade to my 2002 Ranger.

 

[RobbieD]

I would replace the wheel cylinders in the back. I would also inspect all the steel brake lines really well... replace as necessary. Then you have three rubber hoses... they degrade... and fail... do those too. Regular hardware spring kits don't always have the star wheel adjusters and adjusting cables... as old as they are... replace those too. Inspect the rear axle seals... replace as necessary.

Now you also need to know if you have 9 or 10 inch drums. 9 inch drums will have cooling fins around the outside.

Gump nailed it.

The only thing that I can add, even though you have an auto trans, is that it's worth it to keep the parking brake functional.

With all that you're planning on doing to rebuild the braking system, it's mainly just the parking brake cables that you'll need to take a look at.

It'd be a great time to look at the front wheel bearings, too.

Good move on investing in your brakes.