8.8 Explorer Rear Disc brakes on a 9" live axle

Clois Harlan · #1 (**permalink**) 09-05-2006, 11:21 AM

I am getting ready to order the M2300G rear disc brake kit that fits a 1995-2001 Explorer to install on my 9". I understand there needs to be a .200 spacer used because the disc brake backing plate is thicker than the standard drum brake backing plate. My bearings have already been pressed on my axles and I under stand these spacers need to go between the bearing and the axle retaining plate so I was thinking about cutting the spacers in half to save the removal of the bearings. Has anyone done this before? Are any of you running the Explorer rear disc brake setup?

Clois

Jerry Clayton · #2 (**permalink**) 09-05-2006, 11:29 AM

Clois

You might want to check out those brakes carefully--I seem to think you do track stuff and the explorer discs are solid, not vented

Jerry

byron w · #3 (**permalink**) 09-05-2006, 11:31 AM

Clois,
There are several things involved in using the explorer brakes including the diameter of your rear axle bearings. Mine were the small ford bearing and the explorer brakes would not work. I should say mine were the 1969 mustang/torino size. Anyway, call Currie enterprises. I used one of their kits.
cost more but fit great. They also can answer your questions on the explorer brakes.
Byron

Clois Harlan · #4 (**permalink**) 09-05-2006, 05:05 PM

I have since called Moser (the mfg of my new axles) and the use of the Explorer brakes don't present a problem for the limited track usage they will get ( 30 min segments-usually). Plus, they told me that it was fairly common to split the spacer in lieu of removing the pressed on bearing. The spacer forces the bearing into the housing the equivilent of the difference between the thickness of the drum and disc brake backing plate.

Byron I bought a new rearend housing with New Big Bearing Ford ends on it so I could use the Explorer brakes (I liked the E Brake feature). All is well with that part of the planned assembly. I had forgot to tell Moser to install the spacers before they pressed on my new bearings. Plus I needed to have my rotors mount higher on my backing plate than some of the other options. I have been told that a vented rotor is available for this assembly but I don't see how it would ever fit to be honest with you.

Thanks for your reply.

Clois

Rick Parker · #5 (**permalink**) 09-05-2006, 05:30 PM

Clois: You are flirting with danger at high speeds and cornering loads. Suggest you reconsider removing and reinstalling the bearing WITHOUT cutting the bearing retainer plates. Buy new bearing retainer collars when reinstalling bearings. Cheap insurance against potential danger. No Brainer for track use.

Jerry Clayton · #6 (**permalink**) 09-05-2006, 08:05 PM

The risk here isn't with cutting the ring, it is the extreme danger to Clois and others around him of having the brakes go away--and unfortunatly it will be at the end of the longest straight with the tightest corner--Sorry Clois, you don't want those brakes--yes they do have a parking brake in them--
If you want to play on the track , get a brake system that is up to the task

Jerry

Clois Harlan · #7 (**permalink**) 09-06-2006, 08:46 AM

I asked a few more questions from some folks that actually road race and you guys are right. According to Scott Stephens at Hallett he wouldn't let me on his track with those solid rear rotors. Glad I came here and asked a few questions before I jumped into these brakes. It all looks good on paper but they are not practical for what I do with my car.

I have found the guys at some of these aftermarket places don't listen to all of your question before they answer. Thanks Jerry and Rick!

Clois