Upgrade Brakes for towing: 93' Ford ranger 4x4 v6 options

[Dirtman]

Asbestos is the best brake pad material...

 

[don4331]

Asbestos is the best brake pad material...

I have a set of asbestos pads on my '49 M-1 (Mercury version of F-1); would you like me to send them to you?

 

[MikeG]

Good for oven mitts, too.....

 

[Dvine]

Awesome knowledge as per usual. But life happens and stopping isn't an issue anymore. Nither is towing. 150 mile trip was too much for the old truck. Tranny stopped putting power to wheels so look for my thread on questions and problems with Tranny swap out.

 

[gw33gp]

I upgrade my brakes for towing because the stock brake were not up to the task and came close to getting me in trouble a few times. I did it without changing the rotor or calipers. I use Akebono ceramic pads on the front and Raybestos Super Stop brake shoes in the rear. Raybestos doe not make the Super Stop friction material anymore but they or somebody else must have an equivalent.

I have two sets of rotors (the original and a spare), so I can have the rotors turned before I do a brake job with out having to wait for them. Those two sets of rotors have lasted me 252K miles so far without having to buy another set. I see no sign of having to buy another set any time soon. So, the Akebono brake pads are not hard on rotors. I replaced the rear shoes at around 50K miles and they are still in great condition without the need for any work on them. I just inspect them once or twice a year when I put my off-road tires on for an extended off-road adventure.

I have not had any problems with the brakes since this upgrade and I do a lot of towing my race car on a trailer that has a combined weight of over 3,500 lbs plus around 800 lbs of gear on the bed.

 

[racsan]

The best brake upgrade is a full-size truck, Ranger brakes are adequate for a ranger with a small trailer but once you get past 1,500# your pretty much maxed out, even with trailer brakes, what if they fail for some reason? Ive had 1 full size truck myself, and while it was too thirsty on fuel to drive daily, nothing stopped a load better. 3/4 ton, creeper 1st / overdrive 5th 5-speed, 3.73’s 2wd but had the chassis weight to go through most snow pretty well . The extra weight of a full-size can be helpful when stopping, years ago I towed home a ‘72 cutlass on a tandem axle trailer, with a CJ-7. Had to (try) make a panic stop. No trailer brakes, slid all 4 tires on jeep more than halfway through the intersection, could of been bad, could of jackknifed. I do love the ranger chassis, but it has its limits.

 

[gw33gp]

My Ranger easily handles towing a little over 3,500 lbs with trailer brakes. I never feel the tuck is at or near its limits. I towed the same setup with my 89 STX and without trailer brakes and I had to drive way ahead of the vehicle, allowing plenty of room to slow or stop. I did that for many years and when I finally installed an axle with trailer brakes I wished I had done it many years sooner.

Yes, the Ranger has its limits but I think it is well over 1,500 lbs., but you still need to drive like you have extra weight behind you.

 

[Dvine]

I know it's been a while but I thought I should have some closure with my posts. Found out that she is wired for trailer brakes. The mico locks pressure in my brake lines. Put brake pedal to floor, pull lever out, remove foot. The brakes stay full pressure so I don't have to keep foot down. For parking a trailer on a hill. So the damn thing handles brake line pressure so all lines go into it. I'm sure there is a relay or something that that needs the mico to be connected correctly in order for the brakes to work and or turn over.
Well thanks for all the information. I was in aw when I found trs. Still can't believe that I had no idea what I was buying. I knew rangers are awesome because I see Soo many on the road from all ages. Also didn't know I was getting a Ranger with aftermarket stuff and every bell and whistle the 93 could have. You guys are amazing thanks again