Which Drums should I buy

[Patrologia]

I'm not really looking for a performance upgrade, just normal driving and normal braking.
Pretty much everything in my drums needs to be replaced, and I figure at that point, I might as well replace the drums themselves too, especially with as much rust as is on them.
For whatever reason, it looks like getting the drums from a local dealer is actually cheaper than Napa/Autozone/O'Reilly. Are the OEM better, as they would be in most cases? The aftermarket don't look like performance upgrades to me, just stock replacement. Or, are the OEM known to be crap? For what it's worth, the pricing that I'm seeing is $46 at Ford, $66 Napa, $58 AZ, and $55 OR. I'm willing to go to Advance also, just havent checked them yet.

2004 Ranger 4x4 with 10" drums.

I'm open to suggestions or hearing about your experience.

 

[Uncle Gump]

If those are truly Motorcraft drums... that would be my choice.

I just looked for my truck and they were $63... but the 10 inch drum are out of stock.

 

[dmb2613]

Rock auto will save you some cash
2004 FORD RANGER 3.0L V6 Drum | RockAuto

 

[Uncle Gump]

Rock auto will save you some cash
2004 FORD RANGER 3.0L V6 Drum | RockAuto

Probably not after you pay shipping.

 

[Patrologia]

I just noticed that somehow I'd ended up in the parts catalog of somebody in TX instead of local. Probably clicked on an ad somewhere along the line, so I expect the local price will be mid 60s, like the MSRP and Uncle Gump's example.

So, any other opinions on how any of the others compare? I don't want to do Rock, because I cut it a little close and don't want to wait for shipping. I want to be able to grab these Monday morning at the latest. Tomorrow if I don't wait for Motorcraft from the dealer.

 

[gaz]

Patrologia,

I like Powerstop discs/drums with EBC Green pads/shoes.

 

[tinman_72]

If yours can be turned, I would go that route. Wire brush 'em and a coat of paint is a lot cheaper than new ones.

 

[Rimjam]

Junkyards are full of Rangers with 10" rear brake drums. Last ones I bought - $5 for both. Inspect shoe contact area carefully: no cracks, no grooves, no heat discoloration (blueing). To be fair; I'm in Alabama so rust is no issue, I don't count the gas & time getting to the parts, I like prowling thru junkyards. New drums delivered to your door probably cheapest overall.

 

[09fx4guy]

I think you may also be able to get a set of drums from a Ford Aerostar that are finned instead of smooth. You may just have to hog out the center hole for the axle. If you cant do it yourself any machine shop should be able to do it for you. It should help somewhat with brake fade.

I was going to do this to mine, but I was not able to get the aerostar parts quick enough, I needed the truck done immediately.

 

[mikkelstuff]

Ah, definitely time to do the Mustang rear disk brake upgrade. No more of that drum brake hassle. Not that expensive either.

There is good information on this web site for the upgrade and I wrote up an extensive journal with pictures when I did the conversion on my 2002 Ranger. Just PM me for a copy.

 

[Patrologia]

If yours can be turned, I would go that route. Wire brush 'em and a coat of paint is a lot cheaper than new ones.

I’m ending up going this route. Kept reading bad things about the fit of aftermarket drums unless you spend bigger money than this truck needs, and finally found a parts store with a guy who knew how to machine drums. (First place said the guy who does rotors doesn’t know how to do drums. The drum guy is here on Saturday.)
I any case, the old drums are newly surfaced and going back on the truck.

I think you may also be able to get a set of drums from a Ford Aerostar that are finned instead of smooth. You may just have to hog out the center hole for the axle. If you cant do it yourself any machine shop should be able to do it for you.

I considered pursuing this, and still might in the unlikely event the rest of the truck survives long enough to need rear brake work again. Does it matter what year Aerostar and what year Ranger? I’m driving a 2004, and the Aerostars were long gone by then.

 

[pjtoledo]

on the Aerostar drums the center hole is the same as a '92 and earlier Ranger, it's smaller than your '04
that's a precision hole that centers the drum on the axle, if it is just hogged out you may have vibration issues.

 

[pjtoledo]

Probably not after you pay shipping.

my local Advanced Auto gives discounts if I order and pay online, then pick up the parts myself. (only 1/4 mile!)
on some stuff it's 20%
not sure if other vendors offer this.