Caliper upgrade that works with a 15" wheel?

[gmanpaint]

Hey everybody, Gman here, need some advice from you kind folk.

It's time to replace the front calipers on the 94 Ex. I have one caliper that seems to be sticking badly. Yes, I could rebuild the bad caliper, but I have another idea in mind.

Ok, heres the thing.... This rig is now running big ole meats these days. 35" x 12.5" Muds on 15" x 10" (3.75" BS) Alum wheels. With more tire weight added, the less braking force I have compared to stock size tires with stock brake set up. Seems like the right time to try to upgrade using a larger stock caliper from another Model if possible. Why stock? $$$$$$$ is why! LOL!!

So... What upgrade is there for the calipers &/or Discs that will be a direct bolt on, plus work with the 15" Wheels?

I have heard the older T-Bird calipers work great, but I have no idea if they will work with a 15" wheel. I would go this route if they did.

I want to stick with a steel piston, and not the plastic versions.

Any input is appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Anime]

95-97 Ranger 2-piston calipers work on the TTB if you swap over the knuckles and a few other things:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=325392&highlight=TTB


Otherwise, rebuilt calipers can usually be had for less than the cost of a rebuild kit. I got mine at NAPA for ~$13/ea or so. If the calipers are in good shape and you don't want to trade them in on a core charge, rebuilding them is the way to go.

 

[gmanpaint]

Wow, He spent $1k on that swap. To rich for my blood.

I searched around the forum a little, found some threads pertaining to upgrades, but all seem way out of my budget.

I was hoping there was a D35 direct bolt on larger caliper to the existing knuckles.

 

[Anime]

Nope. The caliper uses the outdated slide pin mounts, so any caliper that "swaps" in would just be the same caliper spec'd for another vehicle.

The only other swaps are Cobra brakes, but those don't fit on a 15" or even 16" wheel.

The 95-97 Ranger spindle swap to dual piston calipers, plus the 95+ Explorer rear axle disc swap, and an upgrade to the larger piston master cylinder if needed, are the bolt-on upgrades for the first gen.

It doesn't have to cost $1000+. You can get all the stuff at a salvage yard for cheap, or maybe even find a wrecked Ranger for cheap, but will end up buying new pads, rotors, and bearings eventually anyway.

 

[gmanpaint]

Thanks for the info anime. Much appreciated.

I already swapped the 2nd gen 8.8, and new master.
I will keep an eye open for the ranger parts for the future.

Guess in the meantime, a simple caliper rebuild is in order.