Front Brakes..

[Ponyman460]

I have done a lot of reading about the front braking system on here, and it has proven very useful. I must say first, I am a hardcore mustang guy that is still learning about these trucks.

I am going to be going through the front brakes of my 91 X, and I had a few questions regarding quality, and performance needed. This truck is 2wd, and always will be. Will have a body lift, and thats about it...no real off roading, so I dont think big expensive kits are necessary. I am going to replace the rotors, bearings, calipers and pads.

I planned on OEM rotors with new races that I can get for 60 each brand new, pep boys calipers (reman) for 20 each, and a set of standard pads for 25.

Have any of you had any problems with some of the less expensive braking components? I am using the truck for daily driving...not much more.

thanks in advance.

Rick

 

[dogfriend]

My personal opinion is not to try to save money on brake parts - they are some of the most critical parts on your truck. I'm not saying you need the most expensive, exotic parts you can find, just high quality parts that are made well and fit well.

Again, my personal opinion, I would be wary of Pep Boys parts - I have bought parts at Pep Boys (not brake parts, but other parts) and have ended up returning some of them because they didn't work or didn't fit right.

I have bought brake rotors from Kragen that were warped more than the old ones I removed - but I didn't discover this until after they were on the truck - which meant that I wasted a lot of time installing and then removing them and taking them back. Not worth saving a few $ IMO.

I have had good luck with Napa parts - even with Napa they have different levels of price and quality (they are competing with Kragen and Pep Boys with the cheapest parts) so you need to ask what the differences are between the $50 part and the $70 part.

 

[jgilbs]

the explorer's brake system is undersized to begin with, and this is one area you dont generally want to compromise on. I have used OEM rotors and autozone reman'd calipers with no problems, but I would suggest to at least buy a better set of pads. Good pads will not only help your rotors last longer, they also wont have such a high tendency to squeak and squeal as the cheap metallic ones do. They also won't generate as much black brake dust that accumulates on the front rims, and is a b*tch to clean off. This is one area that a little extra goes a long way, so at the very least buy quality pads.

 

[jimbo74]

i replaced my brakes on my toyota with brembo oe replacements... they are awesome... i am pretty sure they make them for the explorer, might want to look into them

 

[Jason94sport]

A first gen X doesn't have any big performance brake upgrades. Just stick with some good quailty rotors & pads & you will be fine.
If you really want to improve braking. Swap the rear drums to disks(getting a 95+ 8.8 rear end with them will make it easy)

 

[Ponyman460]

rear discs may be in the trucks future for sure. thanks for all the replys! I think OEM rotors, wheel bearings, and maybe some napa/bennett calipers may be the way to go.

 

[Creager]

Timken or National/BCA bearings/races

National/BCA Seals

Bendix Pads (Advanced Autoparts)

For the rotors and calipers, i would go with whatever your heart desires. Personally, i wouldnt get the cheapest, but definatly not the most expensive. Usually whatever NAPA sells, is good.

I've had bad luck with the cheap $15 autozone calipers, they werent cast right... wouldnt hold pressure. Ended up spending 10 bucks more on a caliper from Advanced, I havent had a problem yet.

I also bought the cheap Rotors from Autozone, worked great except for the lug studs came unpressed in certin areas

Again i bought the cheap Duralast pads from Autozone, something about them isnt right! They work fine, and they are wearing great! But damnit, i never understood the reason for those factory 'brake clips' until i used these pads!

I just dont trust Autozone except for the fact they are the only retailer of Timken bearings in town. hehe

You cant go wrong with Bendix. Thats what ford used stock from what i believe. I know for sure all the bearings are Timken stock.

 

[Ponyman460]

thanks

does anybody make SS brake lines for our trucks?

 

[Tony H]

As a daily driver with no huge tires. Stays on the road.
I have bought the lesser expensive Rotors and NAPA brakes. They have been fine for my daily driver.

 

[Ponyman460]

thanks for the info...thats what I wanted to hear

 

[Maniak]

You can get Steel braided lines for first gen x's from most speed shops..

You take one of your with you, tell them you want one the same fittings (and the length if you need longer) and they will make you a set. Making a set means they will get the the right lenght line + correct fittings for your application..

There are two brands I've seen at the speed shops.. Earls (which is holley) and I can't remember the other brand off the top of my head...

~Mark