explorer rear disc vs. stang rear disc?

[rab]

what is a better set-up braking wise explorer vs. 94-up stock stang discs?

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Never had a problem with my Explorer brakes and have never driven a SN95 (I want one though) but I am going to say if you don't like SN95 brakes you can improve them with aftermarket stuff.

Explorer you get what you get and you better like it... because it is all you get.

What are you doing with your truck? I basically dd mine, if you are doing autocross or road races that will change things too...

 

[don4331]

Ranger rear brakes, best to worst:

'10-11 Ranger disc - largest diameter, thickest, vented. Only knock is the parking brake integral to the rotor.
'94+ Mustang Cobra - large, thick, vented
Explorer discs - large, but solid Note: There is a small Explorer disc (goes with the smaller front discs)
10" Ranger with Aerostar finned drums
10" Ranger
'94+ V-6 Mustang discs - small, solid
9" Ranger

Although between the last 2, it is a toss up. Rangers are better in single stop; Mustangs are better on track.

In all cases, you need OEM brake block or brake adjuster if you are changing.

I have done semi scientific testing with all. Results are measuring stopping distance using same force on brake pedal/adjusting bias so that the rears don't lock 1st when empty (anti lock fuse pulled). <Rear brakes locking 1st on ice is bad thing, and Calgary seems to be good at icy winter roads>.

Haven't played with aftermarket - most were focused on Mustang fronts and larger diameter than would fit my rims. Again, for Calgary roads, I need a little rubber between road and rim - when I was concentrating more on looking for potholes, man hole covers, etc than on enjoying the drive in my Focus SVT, I came back to a Ranger.

 

[AllanD]

Gen2 Explorers (1995-01) Rear discs have the singular advantage of having a separate parking brake.


This is a "corvette" style parking brake in the form of using the "hat" of the rotor as a small drum brake, which means no failure prone uber complicated cable actuation mechanism for the caliper.

The Explorer parking brake is simple, stupid and it works which also means it is not so stupid after all...

Additionally it is a Non-Servo brake so it works equally well in either direction.

the rear brakes don't work all that hard, so vented rotors can have issues getting them up to peak performance operating temps without burning the fronts down...

This means that unless you are an engineering wizard AND incredibly lucky, you'll constantly chasing F-to-R brake bias as each end heats up....