I have a 2001 Ranger XLT 4x4 Super Cab w/4 doors and I am planning on upgrading my rear brakes to discs. There are two size systems that can be fitted to my truck from Mustangs of the same vintage. My question is: will the larger Cobra brakes fit within the confines of the stock 16" alloy wheels? I believe the Cobra disc is 11.65" dia. plus the caliper. Base model disc is 10.5" dia. I believe. The caliper mounting brackets are different to compensate for the different dia. discs.

Zack's article is excellent but doesn't address 16" clearance; however, he does warn against 15" wheels.

https://www.ranger-forums.com/staff-recycle-bin-47/how-rear-disc-brake-conversion-stock-ranger-rear-end-97007/

Your advice and help is appreciated.

Sean

 

12 inch Cobras discs will most defiantly clear 16s. They actually clear most 15s, just not factory ones.

The reason the thread you posted doesn't address 16 inch wheel clearance is because it's not an issue :)

Good luck with the swap.

 

^^^wat he said

PS Not Zack's article, its mine. Also read the discussion thread linked at the top...

 

Kevin, thanks for the information. I just hadn't read the clearance information anywhere before.

Grant, sorry for the mis-attribution:)

Take care,

Sean

 

No worries guy, I can see it easily messed up on who wrote those how-to.

I like your avatar picture, so i'll share you a killer deal on cobra brakes: http://forums.corral.net/forums/susp...ke-set-up.html

 

My question would be do you need 12” Discs in the rear of a truck that doesn’t have a lot of weight on them.
Great to have the large brakes but once locked up and no weight = no stopping power.
When you do the swap do you use a manual proportioning valve ?

 

If you have 4WABS (almost all of the 4x4s do, especially 01+) you do not need to mess with the prop valve or the master cylinder.

If you have RABS only you have to either do a manual prop valve or swap masters.

 

Do I need 12" rear discs? Of course not. However, do I want them, sure. I do tow a fair amount and the additional rear brake capability can't hurt. I do have 4WABS and, as I understand the system, it will maintain the correct balance between the front and rear based on differential speed of the various wheels. I may still opt for the smaller v6/gt brakes. Bottom line is: I plan on discs all around. If I could install the larger '03+ front brakes without breaking the bank, I'm sure I'd go for the Cobra rear discs.

The avatar is of the aircraft I flew while in the US Navy, an A-6E, all weather attack. A fun time was had by all!

Take care