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Drum brakes to Disk brakes


johndeeregarner

Well-Known Member
Joined
Mar 7, 2009
Messages
104
City
Memphis
Vehicle Year
1986
Transmission
Manual
I have a 86 Ranger and was wondering if I could get some Disk brakes in the back. I saw the post before this one but I didn't know if I could do the same with a 86 Explorer and a 86 Ranger.

Thanks
 
IMO it would be easier and more straightforward to just get a 95+ Explorer axle to start with than to convert one that came with drums.

For your '86 you will either need a driveshaft out of a newer (90+) truck with your same bed/cab configuration if you have an automatic, depending on transmission lengths you may be out of luck with a stick other than the M5OD.

Another option (the route I took) is the drill and tap the smaller boltpattern onto the flange. I had it off to replace the seal anyway and just ran it down to the machine shop and had them do it. Removing the flange requires resetting the preload on the pinion bearing, if you don't know how to do that you will need to find somebody that does.

A custom driveshaft is always an option too.

This way you get a much stronger more popular axle that is easier to find goodies for down the road, and the disk brakes that you want. FWI, when you grab the axle, it is a great time to grab the springs too to eliminate the typical Ranger lean.
 
Couple things.............

I have a 86 Ranger and was wondering if I could get some Disk brakes in the back. I saw the post before this one but I didn't know if I could do the same with a 86 Explorer and a 86 Ranger.
Thanks
============================================
The first year for the Explorer was 92......

Since you have 7.5 rearend, BOMK, you would have to get the disc brake brackets, calipers, & rotors from a 94 up Mustang, as they are 5 lug & 7.5 rearends.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
============================================
The first year for the Explorer was 92......

Since you have 7.5 rearend, BOMK, you would have to get the disc brake brackets, calipers, & rotors from a 94 up Mustang, as they are 5 lug & 7.5 rearends.

First year for the explorer was 91. Some small bearing stuff from an 8.8 might also work.
 
Explorer 8.8 axle swap is easier, and takes less time.

Sent from the road while ignoring traffic
 
I know there are a couple here at site that say doing the rear disc's is just not worth it if you have a normal stance Ranger. Emergency stops unloads the rear so that very little braking actually happens back there. Several admitted they do it for the looks. If you tracked your truck, that would be different.
Dave
 
I know there are a couple here at site that say doing the rear disc's is just not worth it if you have a normal stance Ranger. Emergency stops unloads the rear so that very little braking actually happens back there. Several admitted they do it for the looks. If you tracked your truck, that would be different.
Dave

If you have the proper master cylinder rear disks would work correctly. When I researched before doing my swap alot of members said the pedal was softer but they maintained the stock ranger master cylinder. I did this for a day and did not like it. So I swapped in the explorer MC that is proportioned for 4 wheel disk. Made the pedal response correct, now I can lock up my 37's if I stand on the brake.

Sent from the road while ignoring traffic
 
Do rangers have residual pressure check valves? If so that would need to go before using dics brakes in rear, otherwise they will drag.
 

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