Cobra Brakes on an X!....complete..

[805 Explorer]

hey guys will i have 4wd so how can it work i saw was a 2wd work so what now

 

[Tbars4]

...I thought I would come to the guy who has done several upgrades to his brakes and ask for your help...

...Can you share some of your knowledge in this thread..???...
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=243385

 

[BonesDT]

SpdRcer, what did you do about your rear brakes?

I found these 2 kits for adding Cobra Rears to the Ford 8.8 axle: Ford Racing M-2300-M and Currie Enterprises CE-6011C.

Here's the instruction sheet for the M-2300-M:
http://www.fordracingparts.com/download/instructionsheets/FordInstShtM-2300-M.pdf

I then realized there's a difference between Stang 8.8's and Ex 8.8's and that's the "brake gap" (housing flange-to-axle shaft flange). The Ex's axle has a longer 2.5" axle shaft to accomodate the drum-type parking brake, which the Stang does not have.

So, considering you swap in Stang axle shafts (does that work easily?), the M-2300-M looks like a nice upgrade, but is it worth it? I've had so many p-brake issues, the idea of converting to a Stang p-brake is appealing, but I don't know if this is a upgrade or downgrade. The brake rotors are also the same diameter, so no upgrade there and it doesn't look like the calipers are any better either.

I think the only advantage is that you now have Stang parts, so you have access to a huge aftermarket.

 

[CDW6212R]

I didn't know that the Mustang had a different axle flange location. The aftermarket kits do mention that distance most of the time.

I have eyed the Wilwood 12" two piece 8.8 kit for my truck. But I'm not that far along yet. When I get there, I'd check the piston diameters first. We need to go bigger in piston area, never smaller.

If you don't improve the caliper piston diameter, then the braking power will be less, or equal if you are lucky. The piston diameters(area) is more important than the rotor size, for brake power. I mention this because many kits include calipers, and those are expensive. If the calipers in the big Wilwood kit I mentioned are not bigger, I'll fabricate a bracket and mount a bigger caliper(area).

Check out the Ranger RPS website, they also have been swapping the Mustang brakes for years. Regards,

 

[Spdrcer34]

I kept the Explorer Rear Disc brake set-up.

Not much need to upgrade them.

Ryan

 

[Spdrcer34]

The major advantage to the Cobra Rear Brakes, is they are Vented Rotors. Where as the Explorers Rotors are Solid. Vented Rotors cool down faster than the Solid ones.

Ryan

 

[CDW6212R]

Yes, and I've watched a thread on the RPS site about Cobra brakes for a long time. They go to the rear Cobra brakes for the Ranger mainly because the labor is the same, and as you mentioned the rotors are vented.

I have a spare set of late 03+ Crown Vic rear brakes, but the same problem occurs. Any of these changes usually include a different parking brake arrangement. The Crown Vic uses cables that run in along the rear housing, with small brackets on the housing.

I've put off the decision because of the parking brake issue. The aftermarket stuff adds more to it, with some kits that use the old style of the parking brake being part of the caliper.

I don't think the rear rotors need to be huge, about 12" would be fine, but they need to be vented to be worth a change.

 

[Mr_H3rsh3y]

can i mount 96 cobra spindles on a 96 explorer im trying to switch to dual piston calipers?

 

[Spdrcer34]

No. But you can buy the adapter from RacinRanger on TRS or RPS, and it will bolt on.

Ryan

 

[CDW6212R]

Here's a link to the thread on RPS; http://www.rangerpowersports.com/forum/showthread.php?t=148557

They are now about to make another set of brackets for the kit mentioned. If the Ranger matches the Explorer, get in there and be part of that current group buy. Regards,

 

[Mr_H3rsh3y]

thanks bros, I wasnt planning on doing anything but rims, now i fell in love with it
so im modifying till its perfect doing a 5.0L swap 302 bored .40 over T5 worldclass trans, Lowering springs or coil overs what ever i can get and then my custom interior, Oh and 4.11 gears but i was just trying to get my braking prob under control first and saw this thread and was like Yeaah Haha