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Getting my F150 axle (8.8) setup under my BroncoII. Just wondering what your guys thoughts are on the Drum V's Disc.

Making a bracket to hold an Explorer caliper isn't a big deal for me. Rotors on the other hand, and I don't care to be sourcing parts from different makes and models.

Right now I'm contemplating keeping the drums, as I have enough custom stuff going on, that I don't need another project.

The F150 drums are bigger than the explorer drums, so stopping power shouldn't be a big deal. Any reason why I should ditch the drums for discs?

Copykat wrote:Rotors on the other hand, and I don't care to be sourcing parts from different makes and models.

This is about the only reason I can think of NOT to do it. It's not hard, and parts are easy to be had if you decide to do it.

The one thing to look at is what caliper you'd use (some people go chevy, some go mustang, other go toyota 4 piston or wilwood on all 4 corners), and what rotor.

When looking at rotors look at whether or not you'd have to machine the axle end to get the "hat" of the rotor over them. This is a step many don't plan on. If you want I've got a list of slide on style rotors for 5x5.5 lug I compiled when I was messing with this. I can email it if you like or even cut & paste here. It's got "hat" openings & depths, rotor dia. & thickness, etc. on it.

I like the simplicity of the disc brakes. That was the reason I went that route years ago. But with limited budget and lots of other areas that need attention I'm thinking disc brakes will take a back burn, on the list of must have things.

I doubt I'll have stopping issues with the drums.

Just trying to convince myself that the drums will be adequate for the time being.

They will be adequate I'm sure.

As you said - disks are nice, but not a MUST have right away thing if other areas of importance need $$.

I only want/use rear discs because of the earler maintenance and appearance. I really dont think we'll see better braking due to discs.

Disks don't overheat as much as drums and they are not adjustment sensitive.
Drums catch pebbles and screech and the pebbles are bad for the brakes and drums. Disks do not have that issue. Overall there is lots of technical reasons why all new cars come with disks.
Get calipers that have a cam to operate the parking brake function and avoid a drum function like the Explorer. Find good calipers on Big Lincolns , some Mustangs and what I have which is spec for a 90 Ford Superbird They are all made by Varga. Other calipers with the cam function are found on Cadillac's & other GM stuff and the guys using them bitch all the time for various reasons.
Don't use junk yard calipers , buy new/rebuilt ones from any auto store. It wont hurt your wallet.
Rotors are sold by lots of outfits. Centric comes to mind. Its ok to try the caliper source for rotors. The big cost is the bracket to mount the caliper.
Worry about the master and use the stock Bronco one and see if you like the setup. If you don't like disk/disk with Stock master them get a 70s Corvette unit and all will be well.
Easiest way to go is to find a kit using Varga calipers with rotors and brackets. Good luck.
Lots of kits use the GM crappy stuff.
PW

Im going to run front disks out back but like you stated chase the axles need machining. Im interested to see the list you have put together. Id like to find a disk thats the same size but doesnt require machining if posible.

Jbfab wrote:Im going to run front disks out back but like you stated chase the axles need machining. Im interested to see the list you have put together. Id like to find a disk thats the same size but doesnt require machining if posible.

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Not much help from me. My setup is common for fab guys in the San Diego area.
My setup is buried in the stretch build and details are lost. Tubeworks , custom width, 40 spline, Custom axles, custom Mitler FF ends, etc, etc.
PW

Drums are fine in all honesty. As long as they're new or still good but adjusted properly, they'll stop really well. If you get a leaky axle seal, they don't work as well then.

Big rigs run drum brakes and stop just fine.. well at least as best as it can for the weight of the rigs.