Explorer Rear Disc Brakes

[sanndmann3]

Winter upgrade project this year includes a swapping the stock 28 spline small bearing rear for something beefier.

I have the Torino big bearing housing and the rear disc brake parts from a '98 Explorer I parted out a couple years ago. I redrilled the rotors to fit the 5x5.5 bolt pattern. I also have a 31 spline Detroit to go in.

My question is regarding the axle shafts. Is my only option to go with Wild Horses 31 spline axle shafts? Are they the only ones with the correct offset to work with Explorer parts? Are there any other ways to work around the issue?

Other question is related to bearings. I'm not familiar with set20 bearings. How do they differ from standard bearings. Are there issues with set 20 bearings and the Explorer parts?

Any help is appreciated. Pics earn bonus points.

 

[Apogee]

The standard axle offset dimension for the big-bearing Torino (new-style) is 2.50", the same as the Explorer Ford 8.8", and you can purchase axles from any supplier or reseller you like, including Moser, Strange, Currie, Dutchman, etc.

As for the bearings, the standout height of the bearing from the housing is determined by the depth of th counter bore and width of the bearing. Since the seal on the SET20 tapered roller bearing is external, it requires a certain amount of compression and preload to both seal and function properly. I've run both in different applications, but not with the Explorer discs, so I'm maybe not the best guy to ask. That said, both bearings seem to hold up equally well, but I've had a few issues with getting the SET20 bearings to seal properly, especially in used housings.

 

[5001craig]

I went with the WH axles/brake kit. I'm pretty sure this kit uses Set 20 bearings and Explorer brakes. If I remember correctly this setup uses the diff gear lube to lubricate the wheel bearings. I had no problems with install and they haven't leaked. But it was a bit of a blur going together. I've read that if the area the bearing goes in is deteriorated some sealant should be used on the housing to help the bearing seal. My housing was good. The bearings have seals incorporated into them in the middle of the outside race.

Maybe you could give WH a call and talk about their axles (that have Set 20 bearings) with your brakes. I know shipping sucks coming from the left coast but like I said mine went together without a hitch. Moser (which is local to me) would be a place to call too. I get up into MI and could meet you with a Moser pickup if you wanted to save on shipping. I don't get to the Detroit area much but we could meet somewhere maybe.

Bonus points? ;D

I went 35 spline but it's a bit of a commitment...

 

[sanndmann3]

Thanks for the education guys. For some reason I had in my mind that the standard offset was 2" and needed to go to 2 1/2" for the disc brakes to work... not sure where I got that but thanks for setting me straight.

Also appreciate the education on set 20 bearings. My housing is used and i'm a bit concerned about leaks. Guess I need to look over the housing a bit and do some more research.

Bonus points to Craig for the pics. Your truck has gotten alot of upgrades since the last time I've seen it. Looking forward to checking it out again. Thanks for the offer to save on shipping. Not sure but I'm leaning toward hitting the Graveyard on my lunch hour...

 

[fordguy]

i get confused just trying to figure out what housings i have. i have an explorer brake set up. good luck with your setup.

 

[1sicbronconut]

You'll need these spacers for the bearings also, I made some on the cheap by cutting down some old bearing races. https://www.currieenterprises.com/CE-6012-SPACER

 

[destroyer000]

i just installed the explorer brakes on my 74 axle an used the currier spacer.. you can order it from summit racing if you need other parts.. everything went together great!

 

[nvrstuk]

Good post destroyer0000...I was going to mention that also. You neex those spacers..

I ran 35 spline axles with a standard Timken brg Explorer setup...YOU don't want ANY chance of a leak as it not only ruins your caliper pads , but also your little parking brake shoes...Royal PITA so dont go set 20 unless they can guaranteed that there's ZERO chance of them leaking any more than a stock bearing.

Just my .02.

 

[sanndmann3]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the knowledge. Adding the spacers to my shopping list. I remember seeing a reference to them and then forgot about it...

I'm in agreement with the set20s and chance of leaking... Probably going with standard bearings.

Thanks, D.

 

[sanndmann3]

Found this write up while web searching and thought it to be useful... perhaps others will too.

http://www.mustangandfords.com/how-to/wheels-tires/28733-bolt-on-rear-disc-brake-conversion/

 

[nvrstuk]

Glad to hear . FORD is stepping up! great link!

 

[sykanr0ng]

Glad to hear . FORD is stepping up! great link!

Not really.
Those are an obsolete part no longer sold by Ford.

One of many performance parts they have dropped.
Better way to say it is Ford stepped up and then stepped back.

 

[nvrstuk]

Well...they stepped up for a bit anyway... haha...

 

[sanndmann3]

Yeah, 20 year old article but atleast it helped me understand the offset better and shims too...

 

[toddz69]

Yeah, interesting info on the offset stuff - with Currie claiming you can go as close as 2 3/16" on the brake offset.

Ford may not offer the kit anymore but it's still available from plenty of other vendors.

Todd Z.

 

[sykanr0ng]

If you are ordering custom axles you can probably get the raised part that centers the rotors made larger so you don't need the spacers.
Wild Horses does that with their disc brake kit.