$800 for 8.8 with disc brakes ready to throw in.

[Positive Vibes]

Ok people. My rear brakes are going. I have a leak on the ABS module. I was figuring just the ABS module is going to be around $400. Plus the break job.

So mechanic talked me into converting to disc. He has fully built 8.8 with disc brakes. Not sure on the year it is from. Is this a good deal (I think is but wanted to check with my homey's). Plus he is going to help install my locker and the rear 8.8. Also will help pull the ABS off. Any and I mean any input, feedback, opinons, smart remarks,etc.

I've been reading the threads by other people on thier conversion just wanted some input for my state of mind which isnt always balanced!

 

[410Fortune]

What gears? 3.73?

$800 is alot for one with high miles, considering the limited slip is probably shot, the pinion yoke seal is probably leaking, the parking brake shoes are probably in pieces, the rotors may be okay but the calipers are only $12 ea at AutoZone so you mine as well throw new ones on, and of course pads.

So for $800 if he installs the locker, thats good, but dont forget the hardware for the E brake is $$$$, if you are going in the diff you mine as well replace the wheel bearings and get a ring and pinion install kit...........

Just for reference I paid $1000 for the following:

1997 31 spline disc brake 8.8 with 3.73 and L/S
1992 D35 TTB hub to hub , 3.73 open
BW 1354 T case, electric shift with shift motor

SO $800 is about what they go for but I have also seen them go for $150-500 so shopping around doesnt hurt....

FYI the 8.8 I bought lasted 1 year before the E brake was shot, the L/S was toasted, and it needed new calipers........

 

[Positive Vibes]

410Fortune: I can always count on you for advice and input.

The gearing is 4.10 and it's suppose to be like new. What this guy does is collects the 8.8's and refurbs to like new. He then sells to dealers etc. I will ask what year and condition also about the ebrake.

I love this site!!!!!!

Any more thoughts or theories??

 

[410Fortune]

Why do you wnat to ditch the ABS?

If it has 4.10's and he is going to help you with the locker grab it before a Jeeper does.....


It is the 31 spline correct?

Also now is a perfect time to do:
E brake (like we talked baout)
and the Spring Over.......

Oh and rear discs kick ass, my BII stops on a DIME, they are a necessity on an Explorer if you ask me, especially if you tow or rock crawl...........

You can really get alot of info from Brett's article, including adjusting the front/rear biast, even though Ford says NEVER TOUCH THE brake biast plunger coming out of the power booster, I have and I can adjust the front/rear biast and after playing with it for a few months I have it perfect.

The best way to do this conversion is to also swap out the master cylinder with that from a disc brake equipped truck.........I plan to do this soon..........

 

[section525]

I sold my rear end (with 3.73s though) just like the one you're talking about for $300.

They have brand new 8.8s on eBay for $700 all the time.

 

[Positive Vibes]

Well one I dont care for the ABS on the Trail. And that's about the only time it ever kicks in. Plus to replace the module is going to be expensive.

I'm sure it's 31 splines, I will double check.

I need to research the ebrake???

I already am spring over. I have between 7 and 8 inches of lift.

That's what my mechanic keeps telling me about disc.

I will continue reading the threads and will look for Brett's.

I read about the master cylinder but sounded like everyone is just dealing with it. What could be a donor vehicle?? Thanks!

 

[rpenner54]

I just sold my 8.8 with 4.56 /ARB and compresor for $450.

The deals are out there you just have to look if you can afford the time.

 

[SteveVB]

I got my 4:10 trac locked disc rear for 639+70 shipping so a little more than 700 - thats for a new off the shelf axle from Manual Trans in Fla. They advertise on E-Bay. Also might want to check the JU board - Ive heard there is a seller who gets even less for his axles- depending on gears and L/S availability.

I also have the complete Explorer disc kit that Currie sells - Ill sell it for $375 +shipping - includes the rubber hoses and everything you need - I paid 399, + 40 for the hoses + shipping.

 

[Positive Vibes]

Thanks for the input and advice everyone!

SteveVB: The Explorer disc kit your talking about, it has everything to convert the rear to disc?? What else would I need if anything??? If it has everything I need to do the conversion let me know and I will problally buy it from you! Thanks again!!!


rpenner54: I would have jumped on that one!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Dre]

$800.00 is a lot for this set-up. I have been looking at these for a while and still looking for something under $400.00..... found a few at $450.00 complete disk to disk with 4.10 gears out of a 98 or 99...

good luck!

 

[FMExplorer]

PV,
I have an ABS module I just pulled - works fine, $50 if you want it.

Converting your current axle to disc is easy - and costs about $150 to get the calipers with brackets from a boneyard, new pads and new discs. The swap will take about 2 hours.

If you have the right gears in your truck now, I would just swap the brakes around...

Jon

 

[Positive Vibes]

FMExplorer: I will keep that in mind about the ABS. I take it you pulled it from your truck??

Thing is I haven't been able to find one X in the pick and pulls. I've checked over 5 here and the dont have any X's.

I have 410s and wont switch until/if I go to 35's.

Been checking out ebay and found this place, this is what they have to say:

Derrick:
I do have the rear disc brake kit for $225. This includes the backing plates, calipers, caliper mounting brackets, rotors, ebrake cables and mounting hardware. I also have a 31 spline traction loc, or locker, available for $100.

thanks, Terry
Midwest Mustang

www.midwestmustang.net

Derrick:
These are used factory OEM parts. You will need some brake lines made to attach the disc brake calipers to your exisiting brake line. We only have the factory Ford 31 spline traction loc available. We sell quite a few of these traction locs and disc brake kits to the older Explorer crowd. Everyone seems very pleased.

thanks, Terry
Midwest Mustang

www.midwestmustang.net

How does this sound?? He has been very prompt with his replies also.

I have extended brake lines now would I still need new ones????? Thanks!!!

 

[NOTAJP]

[/B]

I have extended brake lines now would I still need new ones????? Thanks!!! [/B]

You will need new brake lines from your splitter block on top of the diff to the brakes. Any parts store will have both rigid and rubber brake lines. You need rubber lines at the ends so you can remove the calipers like the front.

 

[FMExplorer]

FWIW, I paid $150 for the calipers, backing plates, ebrakes and cables. Got them at HIghway 7 in Arkansas. Do a google search on Highway 7 auto parts Arkansas and you will find them. Talk to Marty.

Yes - I pulled the ABS proportioning valve out - I only drive the Ex to the trail and back now, and I never liked ABS to begin with.

J

 

[Positive Vibes]

FMExplorer: You wouldn't have thier phone # handy would you??

I have a leak on the manifold?? Not sure if thats the proper lingo. It leaks, right where all the brake lines go in and is mounted to the ABS module. Does this make any sense?? Hope so.

Still not sure what I'm going to do. There are NO X's in my pick in pulls around here.

 

[FMExplorer]

Here's the number: 1-800-622-5585


Your leak is at the ABS module? You have the master cylinder, with 2 lines going out to the ABS module, then 2 or 3 lines heading to the brakes from there.

J

 

[hamexplorer]

I disconnected my ABS because it was going off every time I put on the brakes. Do I all I need to do to correct this is to replace the module?

 

[Positive Vibes]

FMExplorer: Thanks. I called him. A great guy. Straight forward and not looking to make a buck but trying to please the customer!!!

He has the whole assy for $450 shipped but that has 3.73 gears. I saw 410s on ebay for $50. But I know nothing about installing gears.

Keep the thoughts, theories and smart ass remarks coming please.

 

[Positive Vibes]

hamexplorer: I would check your brake fluid first or it could just be your sensors on your brakes. Start on the easy stuff first.

 

[hamexplorer]

I had a mechanic work on the car about a year ago. He changed the brake fluid, checked the brakes etc. His recommend was to disconnect the ABS since it was expensive to replace. He also said he wasnt 100% sure thats what it was and didnt want to waste my money. Having said that this guy is an excellent mechanic but usually works on Porsche and Audi so maybe he is not that familiar with Explorers....