Two piston brakes swap question

[4.6StangRage]

I have a 1993 Ranger and I need new brakes in the front. I was thinking of replacing the front brake setup with the 1995-1997 two piston setup. Btw, I am planning on upgrading the engine so i would figure brakes would be a good idea to start. Do you guys think the upgrade would be worth the effort and money?

 

[AllanD]

If you compare the two systems to each other when both are in proper perfectly working condition there isn't a big difference.

BUT finding a single piston setup that doesn't have a severely worn inner pad raceway groove is just about impossible.

The upper "Notch" in the steering knuckle where the "tab" on the inner pad goes
wears on the single piston system and the only way to fix it is to replace the entire knuckle.

On the two-piston setup the caliper bracket is a replaceable (bolted on) item

Generally speaking the early symptoms of problems with the single piston brakes is simply that the brakes don't behave the same way each and every time you put your foot on the pedal.

Inconsistant pedal height, brakes that "hang" (if your vehicle doesn't roll when you release the pedal at a traffic light) brakes that pull to one side or the other, but not the same way every time...

All can be traced to wear on that notch in the steering knuckle...


I did my two piston conversion 3 years ago and don't regret it a bit.

I won't build or drive another RBV without them.

AD

 

[4.6StangRage]

If you compare the two systems to each other when both are in proper perfectly working condition there isn't a big difference.

BUT finding a single piston setup that doesn't have a severely worn inner pad raceway groove is just about impossible.

The upper "Notch" in the steering knuckle where the "tab" on the inner pad goes
wears on the single piston system and the only way to fix it is to replace the entire knuckle.

On the two-piston setup the caliper bracket is a replaceable (bolted on) item

Generally speaking the early symptoms of problems with the single piston brakes is simply that the brakes don't behave the same way each and every time you put your foot on the pedal.

Inconsistant pedal height, brakes that "hang" (if your vehicle doesn't roll when you release the pedal at a traffic light) brakes that pull to one side or the other, but not the same way every time...

All can be traced to wear on that notch in the steering knuckle...


I did my two piston conversion 3 years ago and don't regret it a bit.

I won't build or drive another RBV without them.

AD

That is great! Yeah a fellow student was trying to explain to me that it is better to stay OEM than to do modifications. My arguments are if the design is actually being improved and have the same factory mounting and the swap is done properly, the swap would definitely be a positive improvement. All I say is if the job is done right than the swap is definitely worth it. Thanks Allan.

 

[4.6StangRage]

I bought the new brake setup and it is from a 1997 for $150!! I am going to clean them and then swap them over with new tierod ends as well. Any advice? thanks!!!