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Joined: Tue Dec 5th, 2017
Location: Michigan, USA
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I have seen the Mustang Kit and kits that are called out as Explorer Parts but as always too pricey.Ford Explorer Kit looks similar to a Mustang kit, maybe the same parts but different names.Parts availability, the explorer kit sounds good but as Ford always does they drop parts that aren't making money and then the people that own the older trucks are left out, just short of that first down.Again thanks for writing this, I will do some investigation and give the swap a try.
Thoughts/observations on the Explorer 31-spline rear disc swap:
1) Since most of these parts are "wear items", new replacement parts should be available well into the foreseeable future. The only possible exception that I see is the backing plates. This is just the kind of part that Ford might discontinue and I can't believe that it would be worthwhile for the aftermarket to pick it up. Probably a junkyard item unless you can find them new.
2) Ford Racing Performance Parts had a kit available that was nothing more than a bundled collection of most of the Explorer rear disc brake parts shown in the How-to above. The kit included backing plates, parking brakes, 11" rotors and calipers - all off-the-shelf Gen II Explorer stuff. No longer available from FRPP or Summit but there are a few on eBay and elsewhere.
Kit M-2300-G
There is also the M-2300-G2 kit. I haven't done this one personally but it looks like it MIGHT work. The G2 is similar to the well-established Mustang brake swap but it's made for the 31-spline truck axle instead. The big difference is in the parking brake which is incorporated in the caliper itself instead of the "drum under the hat" as used in the M-2300-G and the Gen II Explorer. Also, the disc diameter is 11.8" and minimum recommended wheel size is 16". Should verify fitment w/FRPP tech line before choosing this one. (800)FORD788
M-2300-G2:
3) The original left rear Explorer brake hose is a combination assembly that includes the left caliper hose, tee block and the drop down distribution hose. The Explorer brake hose layout is very different from the Ranger brake line routing so the LH Ex piece is not a bolt on. Even worse with a lifted truck. IMO, it is better to use 2 right side Explorer hoses for a swap to a Ranger 31-spline axle. Then just shorten the existing Ranger axle hard lines and reflare to attach to the Ex rubber hoses or stainless replacements.
RH Ex hose on Ranger right side w/shortened Ranger hard line:
RH Ex hose on Ranger left side w/shortened Ranger hard line:
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2003 FX4 Level II, Supercharged 5.0L V8, Headers, Duals, BW4406 manual T/C
Aussie Locker, Torsen L/S, 4.10's, Bilstein 7100 rezzies, Cadillac/Mustang rear discs, Duff traction bars
Keypad Entry, Lock LEDs, sway bar discos, Heated seats, Explorer EATC, Trip Computer and consoles
Other rides:
2016 C-MAX Energi (plug-in Hybrid)
2011 Taurus SEL (highway cruiser)
2003 Ranger 2.3L M5ODR1 Regular Cab (drudge)