Will an '11 rear end fit in my '04..

[TxDarth]

I found a complete '11 rear end assembly with disk brakes for my '04 Ranger but the guy at the yard said it shows that it is not a direct replacement. I found another '08 that is even cheaper but the guy didn't know if it had drums or disks and I guess the '08's had both. He is going to call me as soon as he looks at the brakes - I will know Monday.

I don't know if it is the brakes being different or if some of the mounts might be different. I just bought this Ranger about a month ago so I am still learning as I go. I know I don't like the drum brakes that are on it now. I have already replaced the shoes and one drum to get them even acceptable for drums but they suc.... First vehicle I have had in years with drums and I know why....

 

[JoshT]

08 will have drums, Rangers didn't go to rear disk until 2010.

You replaced the shoes and a drum, but did you get them readjusted correctly? Did you check hose condition? Did you touch the fluids other than to top off the master cylinder? That last one can have a huge impact on how well brakes work, especially if there is any air in the system.

It will fit, but that doesn't mean it's a direct bolt-in. Axle is the same width, and all the mounts (spring, shock, sway bar) should be in the same place. The major issues you will encounter are brake lines, and speed sensor.

For brakes, make sure that you get all of the axle brake lines with the later model axle, including the soft line that goes to the frame. You can probably use the '11 brake lines on the axle and connect it's flex hose to your truck's frame hard line, but I'm not too familiar with the routing on the later trucks.

The Ranger got rear disk brakes in 2010 to comply with federally mandated Traction Control laws. I've not looked under one of those Rangers, but this could have led to a different speed sensor set-up on the '10+ Rangers. If that's the case you'll need to see if the speed sensor from your '04 can be installed. Your '04 has a single speed sensor located in the rear pumpkin, and it's possible that the '11 is set-up this way as well. If the '11 axle has a speed sensor in the pumpkin and the plug is the same, you should be able to use it without swapping sensors.

Seriously, man. Before doing all of that work, think about checking your hoses and bleeding the fluid first. Drum brakes can be good if they are properly maintained, which is mostly a matter of checking fluid level and bleeding as needed. Also check your shocks, if they are work out it'll allow the truck's mass to shift forward and make the drum brake even less effective, and same problem could carry over to the disk brakes.

 

[TxDarth]

Josh...thanx for all the good info....this truck is a comparatively low mileage - 80K and yes I bleed them completely first thing, actually flushed the entire system. I even made sure the arch of new shoes was close to the arch of the drums. The brakes were a problem to start with in that they would give a vibration/surging when coming to a stop. Found the problem by applying only the emergency slightly while trying to stop - it did same vibration. Thats all gone now with the new shoes and a drum in the rear. And yes I did pre-adjust the shoes before buttoning up...

I will have to think on the 2011 rearend...I will check the speed sensor connection as well before I decide for sure. Brakes lines would be no problem - I have dealt with them before. My last project was a fresh Ford 302 powered Miata with 5 speed Tremac - makes a super little car - poor man's Cobra. a lot faster and they handle very well.

 

[JoshT]

Another possible option for you if the '11 rear end falls through would be Mustang rear discs. The bolt onto a stock Ranger axle, but you will have to make/modify lines for it and modify a bracket IIRC. There is a fair bit of information on doing the swap in the brake forum and in the tech library if you decide to look for it.

 

[TxDarth]

Another possible option for you if the '11 rear end falls through would be Mustang rear discs. The bolt onto a stock Ranger axle, but you will have to make/modify lines for it and modify a bracket IIRC. There is a fair bit of information on doing the swap in the brake forum and in the tech library if you decide to look for it.

OK I will look - what year mustang brakes works best?

 

[chvlfrk]

>>>>>

My last project was a fresh Ford 302 powered Miata with 5 speed Tremac - makes a super little car - poor man's Cobra. a lot faster and they handle very well.

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Not to hijack the info your lookin for, but howbout some more info & pics of that build^^^^^^