Upgrade brakes? Off-road use primarily with higher tires

[EvanCani1997]

Hey guys!
Got a 1997 4.0 XLT 4wd and I currently have stock size brakes and I’m running 32’s all terrains. I noticed my braking distance has increased and the brakes feel pretty soft now. Not really a big issue but having to come to a sudden stop causes a lot of pulsing and is relatively slow.
I was wondering if you guys have any good recommendations for brake upgrades. Should I just do the rears? Or all 4? Specific brands or type suggestions would be awesome.

ive also heard of some people putting F150 brakes on explorers of the equivalent year. Would it be possible to buy new F150 brakes and install those?
Thanks for reading!

 

[Blown]

Hey!

I am not a search nazi but it does work. I searched "Brake Upgrade" and came-up with more than I want to read! This is a good post from a good member: Brake parts for 2000 Model year

 

[CDW6212R]

Buying the best brake pads is the critical issue, cheap pads or the stuff local stores sell(that they replace forever), are not the best pads. If you are not hard on brakes, everything is stock related to need, then the cheap pads are fine.

But heavy duty usage should always buy the best brake parts. The only feasible brake upgrade is for the front, swapping the spindle from a same 4WD/2WD Explorer from another 2nd gen, 2001 Sport or newer. That means Sport Trac or Sport, 2001 and up. The 95-01 4dr trucks all use the same brakes, and keep those front rotors on them.

I have been having great service from the OEM front pads made for heavy duty, Rock Auto sells them for around $50 as I recall. I keep spare rotors and pads all the time for my work trucks.

 

[SWIGIN]

My Superlift spindles have two sets of caliper holes, I suppose I could use the 12'' rotors off a 04 and up Sport Trac and move my caliper to the outer hole.

This is the only bolt on upgrade I can think of.