Mustang brakes

[Bobburt444]

So I've got 15x7x12 wheels in this style

Anyone know if the Cobra brakes will fit? I don't really know if they will or not.

I currently have a brand new used 8.8 axle from a mid 90s Ranger. Before I put it on my truck, I have to get some new brakes on it, and disc brakes would be the best way to go. Swapping in an expo axle is definitely out of the question haha. Anyone have a good idea of where I can get the parts for this swap at a good price? The nearest junkyards don't have any Mustangs so that isn't really an option.

 

[Surrey]

Ranger 8.8? (I know what it is, but why.....)

Why is an expo axle out of the question? Its stronger, easier, and cheaper...

 

[Bobburt444]

Because it wouldn't make much sense, right now at least. I had to replace my old axle (still on my truck) so I got this new axle, and I finally got it all cleaned up and looking good, so I might as well use it. If I had known at the time when I got this new axle that I could've gone with an Explorer one, and get the disc brakes at the same time, then I probably would have.

If I can't get Mustang brakes or a decently priced kit, then I'll just have to settle with the drums I have on my old axle. But since I have the new axle off, I'd like to get disc brakes.

 

[Mac]

Why is an expo axle out of the question? Its stronger, easier, and cheaper...

Strenght doesn't matter if you don't need it. Easier? Requires welding and more than just being able to bolt in his new Ranger rear end. Cheaper? Not if he has the 8.8 already. I think disc brakes are over rated in a truck for the end benefit vs cost. Cobra's won't work, need to use the smaller ones off the GT. Good write up here.
http://www.fordrangerforum.com/how-...c-brake-conversion-stock-ranger-rear-end.html
Dave

 

[ForOffRoadDriving]

thats a good write up!

 

[Surrey]

That is actually a lot easier/cheaper then I have been led to believe.
Cool.

 

[ForOffRoadDriving]

it seems like the only hard part to find is the piece that bolts to the axle flange itself, the one you have to cut to slid over the tube.

 

[Snoranger]

Strenght doesn't matter if you don't need it. Easier? Requires welding and more than just being able to bolt in his new Ranger rear end. Cheaper? Not if he has the 8.8 already. I think disc brakes are over rated in a truck for the end benefit vs cost. Cobra's won't work, need to use the smaller ones off the GT. Good write up here.
http://www.fordrangerforum.com/how-...c-brake-conversion-stock-ranger-rear-end.html
Dave

Why exactly wont the cobra brakes work? The Cobra rears will fit into a 15" wheel.

 

[Bobburt444]

Strenght doesn't matter if you don't need it. Easier? Requires welding and more than just being able to bolt in his new Ranger rear end. Cheaper? Not if he has the 8.8 already. I think disc brakes are over rated in a truck for the end benefit vs cost. Cobra's won't work, need to use the smaller ones off the GT. Good write up here.
http://www.fordrangerforum.com/how-...c-brake-conversion-stock-ranger-rear-end.html
Dave

Thank you haha. You explained why an expo axle would be out of the question better than I did. The welding was one of the reasons that turned me off to an expo axle. If I hadn't bought the axle I have now, and if I were a better welder, then an expo axle would've been totally doable.

And that was the write up I was going off of. I didn't really expect Cobras to work anyways.

 

[Mac]

Why exactly wont the cobra brakes work? The Cobra rears will fit into a 15" wheel.

I think it all depends on which 15" wheel will work. Just use a wheel that fits a Cobra and no problem of guessing. Not sure how they would work with the wheels the OP has. As far as the brackets hard to find, I think RockAuto has the Raybestos part FRC 10546 that includes the caliper and bracket.
Dave

 

[Surrey]

My biggest question would be what to do about a master cylinder?
I know with the explorer 8.8 w/discs you use an 95+ Explorer master, because the Ranger one isn't calibrated to work for the rear discs or whatever... What about here? Again, use an Explorer, or...?

edit - this is the same sort of mod you would do to put discs on a 7.5", just with an older mustang's brakes, right?

 

[Bobburt444]

From what I've read around, you don't have to change the master cylinder.

 

[Surrey]

From what I've read around, you don't have to change the master cylinder.

Are you sure about that? Because as I say, write-ups for the 8.8 explorer discs includes changing the master cylinder, because the stock one doesn't really do the trick.

To me, it seems that increasing your breaking power in the back is not really acheived without a change to the master Cylinder... I know discs are a better technology and everything, but can better braking power really be acheived with the same pressure going to the back wheels, especially if that power wasn't even designed for the technology being applied?

 

[Bobburt444]

Well, in this write up, it says if you have RABS, you don't need to change the master cylinder, but it's for Explorer discs. http://www.therangerstation.com/Mag...g_your_Ranger_8.8_to_Explorer_disc_brakes.htm

And in this thread, they say you don't have to (the first few comments, and towards the end) http://www.ranger-forums.com/showthread.php?t=95557&highlight=mustang+brake+cylinder&page=10

 

[Surrey]

That is intriguing. I will probably do an explorer 8.8 just because I can when it becomes time for that, Im very much a fan of doing it right the first time. (for now, I have two 7.5s to destroy, so we'll see how that goes...) But I would be very nice to hear about someone who has done a 8.8 Ranger drum to Mustang disc swap, maybe get a write-up in tech library.