I got a tech question

[MountainMike]

From the Ranger Brakes thread:

"If you already HAVE 10-inch drums (most 1988-up Supercabs, 4x4's and 1991-1994 Explorers) improved fade resistance is as easy as replacing your smooth 10-inch drums with the heavier finned drums that are specified for the 1993-1997 Aerostar."

I would just like to know why. Obviously brakes drums are wear items and will need to be replaced anyways. My drums are fine for now but when the time comes I am wondering if the Aerostar drums are worth it. I'm not out to solve a non-existant porblem now, just thinking down the line. So basically it boils down to: Why are the finned Aerostar drums better than my '98 Ranger's smooth drums? and do they cost any more, is the price per gain worth it?

Thanks crew. I can't wait till the time comes and I tell the dealer I need '97 Aerostar drums and they all know I roll in my '98

 

[BRUTUS_T_HOG]

its because the fins allow for better heat dissapation. when your brakes get HOT they fade.

the better and faster you can remove that heat into the air the less fade you'll have

 

[locovaca]

To follow up, the heat gets dissipated through the surface of the drum. Finned drums have more surface area because of the peaks and valleys. Thus, more heat is dispersed because there is more surface to disperse said heat.

 

[mountainhorse]

Aerostar drums will NOT FIT the 1999 Ranger... the hub center is too small on the aerostar drum...

I just tried it with my 1999 Ranger 4x4 ... bone stock... the drums slide onto the studs... but not the hub center..


NOT A BOLT ON

 

[Andres629]

I suppose it could be something to do with an 8.8 vs a 7.5 rear end, no?

 

[Mark_88]

I put them on my 88 and they worked fine, but it sounds like there is a difference in the later model rear ends...you might be able to grind them down to fit...but it may be more effort than it's worth...

Mine were overheating because they were sticking...not just because of the design...but the finned drums certainly cool faster...

 

[mountainhorse]

I suppose it could be something to do with an 8.8 vs a 7.5 rear end, no?

Probably...

I doubt that anyone has bolted on (without modifying) the Aerostar drums to a later model Ranger....Bummer!

 

[AllanD]

The point isn't only the finns disappating the heat
but the thermal mass of the finned rotors.

IF you have no cooling air a rotor that is heavier will take longer
to heat up and subsequently overheat...

AD

 

[joecool85]

So....is this possible on a 2000 w/10" drums or no? I'd like to do this swap as I need new drums anyway.

 

[brinker88]

Aerostar drums will NOT FIT the 1999 Ranger... the hub center is too small on the aerostar drum...

I just tried it with my 1999 Ranger 4x4 ... bone stock... the drums slide onto the studs... but not the hub center..


NOT A BOLT ON

Do you have an FX4 Level II? If so, you have the 31 spline shafts.