My front discs suck. They are the 11.25in discs and my understanding is that the newer 4x4s come with 12in discs. I'm replacing my front rotors and calipers anyway, and wondering if the new larger discs will bolt on. As far as I can tell the knuckle is the same so I'm thinking they will. Anybody have any info on this?

 

Wirelessly posted (Blackberry 8530)

AFAIK, it's the knuckle that's different. The holes for the caliper bracket are moved out from the hub center. I believe the calipers are the same.

 

Just get some EBC Drilled and or Slotted rotors and some Green stuff pads. This is what i have and the difference of stock is great. It's much easier than dealing with adding bigger brakes.

 

The calipers and caliper brackets are definitely different, they look different and they have different part numbers.

From looking at the Ford parts diagrams, the knuckles look the same and have the same part numbers, BUT the prices are different. Also, every auto part store i checked has a knuckle listed for 01-02 and nothing available for 03+.

 

Wirelessly posted (Blackberry 8530)

Some of the lift kit knuckles have two sets of caliper mounting holes, and say they'll work with any 98-11 truck, and work with either size rotor. This really leads me to believe that the factory knuckles are different as well. I'm almost curious enough to go find a late model knuckle from a yard with the hub, rotor, and caliper for comparison.

 

I'm pretty sure it's in the knuckles as well...

 

I have a pair of '07 knuckles but with the weight of them shipping would be ridiculous!

 

Wirelessly posted (Blackberry 8530)

LOL. Yeah, I'd search local yards for one. I wouldn't try to get one shipped.

 

im wanting to say my 03 might have 12 inch discs...not 100% sure though

 

If they r 4x4 knuckles, Would u mind measuring them for me? Hole to hole and hole to hub

 

I can do that if you're not in a huge rush... I moved fairly recently and it make take me a little while to find them!

 

didnt dangerranger put mustang brakes on the front of his slammed ranger? thats what i would do

 

Mustang brakes are going on the rear soon. I wish I could put them on the front but his how-to says 2wd only.

 

ok you will love them on the rear i got them and shoot its heaven i love it

 

Answered my own question. The ford parts website only shows the generic part number, I finally found the specific numbers and they are different.

 

And I just found the knuckles to measure... lol.

 

Thanks anyway

 

No prob... as long as you've got the information you need that's all that matters. lol

 

FYI, here are the Superlift knuckles that work with all years. Note the two sets of caliper holes that are roughly 3/4" apart. This leads me to believe that you should be able to swap knuckles and rotors without changing anything else, and the calipers will work. The only thing I'm wondering is if the newer calipers have larger pots in them, and/or use larger pads to give more surface contact.

 

I thought about doing this conversion when I found out about the larger rotors on the 03 Ranger. I tow a lot and thought the 02 smaller rotors were marginal. I could not find much information on how to convert so I eventually went to top quality front pads and rear shoes. This solved my problem and was less expensive and much less work than doing the conversion.

I originally used Raybestos Super Stop pads and shoes. When I needed to replace the pads I discovered they don't make the Super Stop pads anymore. I decided to try Akebono pads. They work as well as the Super Stop and don't dust the wheels so bad. The Super Stop shoes are still doing fine.

 

I did the conversion due to the superlift knuckles having 2 seperate placement holes for the caliper bracket.I used Centric rotors, centric posi quiet pads and it stops on a dime. Stock knuckles will not have the option to put the larger rotors on. The larger rotors are found on the 2003 FX4 level I trucks so if you can find one at the junk yard, grab the knuckles and swap them out

 

Actually, the larger 12" front rotors are found on all 2003.5 and newer 4x4 Rangers (mid 2003 model year change from the previous 11.28").

It does not matter if the 4x4 is an FX4 or not.