8 3/4 rear disc swap - ford ranger/explorer

-

piz1975

Member
Joined
Jan 18, 2011
Messages
10
Reaction score
6
Location
Cincinnati
Just trying to see if anyone has heard of this. I read somewhere that you can use a rear disc setup from a new Ford ranger/explorer and they will bolt on (with slight modifications) to the 8 3/4 housings. Trying to keep the cost down on putting rear disc on my 72 Duster
 
I used a 1998 Jeep Cherokee. Only one hole needs to be drilled

Agreed. I got a set of rear discs off an early 90's Grand Cherokee 8-1/4 rear end. One hole has to be drilled for the mounting bolts (it only has four holes), and if my measurements are correct, the center hub hole may need to be opened up a bit. Easy stuff.
 
What bolt pattern on conversion? 4" or 4.5"
Also curious what you did for the E brake.
Thanks
 
The bolt pattern is 4.5". I haven't hooked them up yet, but the e-brakes will take some finagling. Drums use a ball on the end of the cable, discs use an eyelet. I will have to figure this out when I get there...
 
Agreed. I got a set of rear discs off an early 90's Grand Cherokee 8-1/4 rear end. One hole has to be drilled for the mounting bolts (it only has four holes), and if my measurements are correct, the center hub hole may need to be opened up a bit. Easy stuff.
Yeah, that sounds like easy stuff - not really worried about e-brake, car is going to be a drag/street car with a 4 speed …. 1st gear parking brake LOL
 
I used a 1998 Jeep Cherokee. Only one hole needs to be drilled
Can I hear more about this please and thank you!
I'm on rock auto looking at grand cherokee rear calipers...and i'm missing how the 5 bolt pattern on the 8 3/4 axle flange is going to mate to the 2 bolt caliper bracket....or did you make a mounting bracket?
 
i'm missing how the 5 bolt pattern on the 8 3/4 axle flange is going to mate to the 2 bolt caliper bracke

The"backing plate" is all one piece, which contains the caliper mounting bracket. The first photo shows where you have to drill the 5th hole. The second photo shows the different kind of emergency brake cable. On regular drum brakes, there is a ball on the end of the cable. On this setup, it's a squared eyelet that goes over a hook. I haven't figured out how to deal with the e-brake cables yet, mine were cut off. I think I'm going to go to the junkyard and scrounge up a set of cables, then figure out how to hook them up.

rear disc 1.jpg


rear disc 2.jpg
 
Just trying to see if anyone has heard of this. I read somewhere that you can use a rear disc setup from a new Ford ranger/explorer and they will bolt on (with slight modifications) to the 8 3/4 housings. Trying to keep the cost down on putting rear disc on my 72 Duster

The"backing plate" is all one piece, which contains the caliper mounting bracket. The first photo shows where you have to drill the 5th hole. The second photo shows the different kind of emergency brake cable. On regular drum brakes, there is a ball on the end of the cable. On this setup, it's a squared eyelet that goes over a hook. I haven't figured out how to deal with the e-brake cables yet, mine were cut off. I think I'm going to go to the junkyard and scrounge up a set of cables, then figure out how to hook them up.

View attachment 1715436734

View attachment 1715436735

Also keep in mind you will probably need new longer wheel studs when adding discs.
 
The"backing plate" is all one piece, which contains the caliper mounting bracket. The first photo shows where you have to drill the 5th hole. The second photo shows the different kind of emergency brake cable. On regular drum brakes, there is a ball on the end of the cable. On this setup, it's a squared eyelet that goes over a hook. I haven't figured out how to deal with the e-brake cables yet, mine were cut off. I think I'm going to go to the junkyard and scrounge up a set of cables, then figure out how to hook them up.

View attachment 1715436734

View attachment 1715436735
That's very helpful, thank you!. Did you have to modify anything beyond wheel studs? Like opening the Center bore? Or you just drill the missing hole and done? Went on like stock? (Not worried about e brake)
 
Curious as to what the other end of the e brake cable actuator pivot does.
 
How’s material is that kind from. There will be a time pads wear out. Even caliper replacement.... just got incase......
 
Good Point ! E brake may have drum set up inside the rotor like GM's have. If so, could it be incorporated?

Looking at my brakes, I believe this to be true. It's an all-in-one deal.

Curious as to what the other end of the e brake cable actuator pivot does.

Here's what the inside of the rotor looks like. I can't get a better photo without pulling the calipers off so I can get the rotor off, but this shows the innards. It looks like the diagram in post #18, more or less. The lever pushes the shoes out against the inside of the rotor's drum area.

100_2130.JPG
 
Yeah i saw those, but at that price, there are companies selling complete rear disc kits in the $300-$400 range.
https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Spee...ear-Disc-Brake-Kit-for-A-B-E-Body,296827.html Unless pulling this stuff out of a junkyard, i dont think you could even rock auto a kit together for this price. ($350)

I agree , I posted the crown package as a reference to what's behind the rotor. Speedway is priced well. I like the Cherokee idea to save the $$$ .
 
Oh, new rotors from RA are $16 ea Plus Crown kit $240 and pads is around $300. Different alternative and no add on brackets.
 
-
Back
Top