Brewbro21 said:
I found dutchmans. Is that a complete kit? Rotors, calipers, lines, -e-brake linkage, etc... Those look real nice.
It is the Motorsports kit. It includes the rotors, backing plates, calipers, pads, mounting hardware, and the necessary spacer for the bearing preload. It doesn't include brake lines and banjo bolts. I can give you the part number I used for the lines but the parts store wasn't even sure what the application was since it was one they grabbed from the shelf that turned out to be about 8" long. It also doesn't include the clevis link for the ebrake. I went ahead and bought the one Lokar sells for about $30. (I can supply a part number for it as well) I disassembled the ebrake and pulled the cables out, cut 1 1/2" from the spring, 1 or 2 inches from the top end, and then slid everything back together with the clevis at the end. Once I figured out how I was going to do it it was easy and now the ebrake will actually stop it. Some of the Explorer kits sold specifically for the EB already include redrilling the rotor in the price. Dutchmans adds that to their base price since they sell the kit with more applications than just the EB. The real catch to the Explorer kit over some of the Cadillac style kits is that the stock axle flange will not fit inside the rotor. That pretty much means a new set of axles. For me that wasn't a concern though since I already had to order 35 spline axles anyway. (FWIW they have a lifetime warranty on their 35 spline axles) With new axles the kit was a bolt on deal with no welding or cutting necessary. If it would have been an existing rear I was doing rather than a complete buildup I would have pulled the drums, unbolted and pulled the axles, pulled the ebrake cables, laid the backing plates over to the side until I was ready to transfer the lines, and then reversed the above using the kit with transferring the lines being the last step. The backing plate with brake shoes comes assembled so that doesn't even need to be put together so figure 2 hours total unless there are problems getting something loose.
I would definately recommend this kit to anyone that is also considering new rear axles. Through Dutchman's the total cost will be in the neighborhood of $840 for the kit plus axles. Wild Horses sells the same thing in the rear disc kit they sell as well but the price is a bit higher. (It includes the Motorsports kit plus axles) I'm not sure what Wild Horses will work out but Dutchmans can make this fit irregardless of the housing flange pattern (as long as it is the big bearing), axle width, or the axle spline count. (28, 31, or 35) If you are not considering axles then the Cadillac style calipers might be a better option.
Hmm... It looks like Wild Horses may also include the brake lines and ebrake clevis. If so then the prices are within $30 or so of each other. (I figure mine cost $890 with the 35 spline axles but I also got tapered bearings and screw in wheel studs)
