Rear Disk Brakes

[broncobird]

Who has the best rear disk brake setup? I have never had any experience with rear disk on a bronco.

 

[fordguy]

there are a lot of options. you should search on rear disc on this site and do some research. depends on your axle, cost and what kind of emergency brake you need. i started two different threads on rear disc recently with good discussion on both. if the emergency brake need is not great your options are more.

 

[broncobird]

ok thanks

 

[sanndmann3]

If you got a medium duty (Torino) rear end, take a look at Explorer rear disc. Pretty much a bolt up operation and parts can be sourced relatively inexpensively...

 

[bronconut73]

I like the kit at BC Broncos because you could buy it in stages.

And if you're on a budget and you don't need emergency brakes you can use front calipers and save a ton of money.

 

[SteveL]

Those are pretty much the 2 options unless you drop the cash on wildwood. The bc uses the craggy calipers for the e-brake. They're a pita to adjust the e-brake but hold big tires better if you get it adjusted right. The explorer e-brake is an easier install but doesn't hold big tires as well.if you go with the caddy calipers hit the boneyard for some cores. Core charge is getting steep for em at the part store.

 

[Broncobowsher]

While front disks are fairly cut and dry, there are 2 main contenders with a few other specialty versions that are rarely seen except on high end builds.

Rear disks can be had in a couple dozen different configurations. While they are all 9" housings with 5x5½" bolt pattern, there are different offsets and housing ends. Add in parking brake, which is somewhat optional to some. The rear disks are a place where bigger isn't always better as well. You want less rear brake to balance the weight transfer to the front under a hard stop. And the budget options that range from a handful of junkyard parts to several thousands. Many will give a strong debate that stock drum brakes are one of the best options for rear brakes for most people as well.

Yea, rear brakes are not cut and dry. Wide open options.

 

[Weevil]

OVERATED . I have them but it is probably the worst mod to mine , as I like having a E Brake that works without constant BS to deal with . Sure you are gonna hear lots of crud from others that I'm full of it and their system is probably brand new . Give it a few years or 9 and ask how many times they have to deal with crappy E Brake that will hold it only on flat ground and caliper replacements

 

[abn373]

OVERATED . I have them but it is probably the worst mod to mine , as I like having a E Brake that works without constant BS to deal with . Sure you are gonna hear lots of crud from others that I'm full of it and their system is probably brand new . Give it a few years or 9 and ask how many times they have to deal with crappy E Brake that will hold it only on flat ground and caliper replacements

Yes, I question the need for rear disc on most Broncos. I have the OEM large drums and it seems like on my EB with no hard top, no rear seat, fiberglass tub and really the only weight in the rear is the 35" spare, that adding the stopping power to the rear may make it brake less stable on a hard stop, especially in the wet.

 

[Broncobowsher]

Yes, I question the need for rear disc on most Broncos. I have the OEM large drums and it seems like on my EB with no hard top, no rear seat, fiberglass tub and really the only weight in the rear is the 35" spare, that adding the stopping power to the rear may make it brake less stable on a hard stop, especially in the wet.

That goes with my bigger is not better statement.
This has me thinking, let me start a new thread...

 

[Justafordguy]

Yes, I question the need for rear disc on most Broncos. I have the OEM large drums and it seems like on my EB with no hard top, no rear seat, fiberglass tub and really the only weight in the rear is the 35" spare, that adding the stopping power to the rear may make it brake less stable on a hard stop, especially in the wet.

I have to agree, sounds like my Bronco is a good bit heavier in the rear compared to yours and the stock drums are still to much. I'm working on an adjustable valve for the rear now to try and stop them from locking so easy.

 

[phred]

OVERATED . I have them but it is probably the worst mod to mine , as I like having a E Brake that works without constant BS to deal with . Sure you are gonna hear lots of crud from others that I'm full of it and their system is probably brand new . Give it a few years or 9 and ask how many times they have to deal with crappy E Brake that will hold it only on flat ground and caliper replacements

X2. I’ve got rear disc on both my Broncos and aside from the “cool” factor I think the rear drums work better. It’s an fairly expensive mod for little to no gain. I wouldn’t do it again.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[SteveL]

Unless thares an actual need for the rear disc the money would be better spent on hydroboost and a good proportioning valve. I run the lbs valves from bc on mine.

 

[bamabaja]

Since OP is generic re disc brake applications, any advantage to rear discs on off-road, not dedicated rock crawler, rig with 35-37” tires ? Thanks

 

[garberz]

I’ve done more conversions back to stock rear drum brakes, due to the lack of, or unsatisfactory E-brake. The rear brakes add very little stopping power because of the weight transfer to front when braking, the short wheelbase adds to this. I’d say the rear is 15% of the total stopping power. It’s really tough to beat the stock E-brake when it’s working properly.

Mark

 

[broncobird]

Thanks to all that took the time to share there experience and opinion . I think my money would be better spent on hydroboost.

 

[sanndmann3]

I did disc brakes up front 1st, hydro 2nd and rear disc 3rd. Definitely do hydroboost before the rear disc. It made an amazing difference, you won't be disappointed.

 

[Broncobowsher]

Thanks to all that took the time to share there experience and opinion . I think my money would be better spent on hydroboost.

Correct.

 

[Bronco4x4]

Don't forget that rear disc brakes may help out with rear axle bearing failure. A drum brake and tire/rim may slide out of the EB (with axle) when the rear bearing fails. I also like the serviceability of rear disc and no adjustment needed (drums will pull if not adjusted correctly from side-to-side). Disc brakes also work better after going through water. Rear drums will take longer to recover from being submerged under water. I do agree that the Caddy rear E-brakes don't hold well (have them now and I don't trust them running my 69 EB in park) and my current build will have either a driveshaft E-brake or a line-lock with rear discs.

 

[Bronco4x4]

Also, my stock 1976 vacuum booster set-up works fine with front/rear disc brakes.