Brake parts for 2000 Model year

[celly]

I'm just pricing out some brake parts for my '00 Sport and there seems to be some confusion with the supplier. I've seen a lot of conflicting information via Google. Does anyone know with absolute certainty that the following statements are correct (this is my take on things):

-front rotors on 2000 Explorers (Sport/XLT/XLS) are the same for all 4WD versions (the 2WD version has a different rotor)

-rear rotors on 2000 Explorers (Sport/XLT/XLS) are the same for all versions (4WD and 2WD).

-front brake pads on 2000 Explorers (Sport/XLT/XLS) are the same for all versions (4WD and 2WD) (this one I'm not certain of at all. A lot of places seem to imply they are).

-rear brake pads on 2000 Explorers (Sport/XLT/XLS) are the same for all versions (4WD and 2WD).

Thanks in advance.

 

[CDW6212R]

I believe that those statements are all true. I learned all of that in my research to get the bigger front rotors. I was led to believe that the only special 2001+ parts were the calipers/pads, and the rotors. To swap the later 12" rotors onto the other 2nd gen. Explorers, you need the rotors, and spindles(2WD/4WD).

I have a pair of the later calipers. the pads are smaller than the older 2nd gen.'s, and the pistons are not steel. For heavy duty use, the older calipers are better. Check out the pictures from my gallery:

The SS brake lines cost me about $43, plus the original lines. Good luck with your brake job.

 

[V8BoatBuilder]

Don,

where did you get the SS lines?

Also, can you use the earlier calipers with the later rotors and spindles?

Do you need the caliper braket as well, or will the old one work?

 

[celly]

I just heard from the supplier I'm going to use for rotors/pads and they told me I need to know whether my rear calipers have steel or plastic pistons as standard. Is this something that is standard to the vehicle year or do I have to examine the brakes to find out? I think Don was saying the "newer" Explorers use plastic, and older have steel.

As before, I have a 2000 Sport, 4WD.

Thanks in advance.

 

[CDW6212R]

The rear I'm not sure about, calipers having steel pistons. Mine are steel(98&99), but it shouldn't matter. Celly, you don't have some massive braking need like me, so use what you have. I just bought EBC pads for my 99, and they were about $40 plus shipping each. The Tire Rack still carries the EBC rears, for $25. I highly recommend them.

Look at my pictures again. What you are seeing is the factory 99 parts, except for the rotor and spindle. I took the brake lines to a local hydraulic hose company. They made SS lines using one of the factory ends, and a standard end which they stocked. They welded to that original end. I was pleased that it didn't cost more.

The earlier calipers are better than the later calipers, in my opinion. I prefer steel caliper pistons. The later front pads are slightly wider, but much shorter. The older 95-01 front pads have more surface area. They look small, but the 2002+ pads are even smaller.

Aaron, the tough part was finding the 2001 Sport/Sport Trac spindles. I found the 4WD versions that I needed after about a month, for $109 total. These rotors came off of Ebay, for about $135. Their quality is an unkown, I'll find out soon. Good luck,

 

[celly]

The rear I'm not sure about, calipers having steel pistons. Mine are steel(98&99), but it shouldn't matter. Celly, you don't have some massive braking need like me, so use what you have.

Don, I am doing pads and rotors in one swoop. The pads the guy quoted me have different part numbers depending on whether the pistons are steel or plastic. I just want to be certain I'm getting the right ones because I am doing mailorder and it will be a pain to send them back if I get the wrong ones.

Brad

 

[boominXplorer]

Yeah whats the deal on those SS lines? Did you buy stock lines and change them to SS?

 

[CDW6212R]

Brad, call Ford and talk to a good parts man. If you can find out for sure what pistons you have from him, then order the pads based on that. If you cannot be sure about the pistons based on the Ford parts man, then you should check yours to be sure.

All you need, after the rear wheel is off, is a large screwdriver, and a 10mm socket. You may be able to see the piston without loosening the caliper. If not, you just need to pivot the caliper away enough to see the piston. Good luck,

 

[CDW6212R]

Here is a picture from my gallery. This is after I installed the SS lines and shocks. I had a spare set of lines, from buying Sport Trac calipers previously.

 

[MONMIX]

Where are the SS lines from ?

 

[CDW6212R]

A local hydraulic hose store here can make SS lines. It's a Royal Brass and Hose, Knoxville TN. They had a brochure from a company who evidently provides various brake ends, adapters, etc. The cost was $43 total, they used one end of my lines. Regards,

 

[MONMIX]

A local hydraulic hose store here can make SS lines. It's a Royal Brass and Hose, Knoxville TN. They had a brochure from a company who evidently provides various brake ends, adapters, etc. The cost was $43 total, they used one end of my lines. Regards,

Thanks, I'll do some research around here and see what that yields, I might end up getting in touch with you.

 

[celly]

I just finally confirmed that the 2000 Explorer Sport has steel pistons in the rear. I called Hawk and they told me the plastic ones started in '01 for the Sport/Sport Trac.

 

[CDW6212R]

It sounds like the same change of rotor size also started the different calipers, and ceramic pistons. Good for you, both ends of the EBC pads were $25 on some site. The Tire Rack stopped carrying the front EBC pads. I paid $69 for the fronts 2.6 years ago. It's good to see something drop in price. Regards,