Switching to an explorer rear end

[WZ JUNK]

I am changing my mind again on the rear end assembly in my 1954 Chevy.  I recently bought brackets to install different calipers and rotors to eliminated the current Lincoln setup.  The Lincoln repair parts are not as available as they once were.  Then I discovered that the parts the adapters use are not that available either.  I would like to replace the current rear with an Explorer rear end.  What model Explorer will replace the Lincoln rear?  Different sites give different dimensions on the Lincoln.  It is either 58" or 58 1/2 ".  

John

[enjenjo]

Why not just install the Explorer brakes on the Lincoln rear end? I've done this conversion several times. The only non stock part needed is a spacer 1/8" thick between the wheel bearing, and the retainer to account for the backing plate thickness.

[WZ JUNK]

Why not just install the Explorer brakes on the Lincoln rear end? I've done this conversion several times. The only non stock part needed is a spacer 1/8" thick between the wheel bearing, and the retainer to account for the backing plate thickness.

This would be to simple.  Surely something must be wrong with this plan.  You are saying that if I remove the axle and the current caliper bracket, make a 1/8" spacer, then I can install the Explorer bracket, rotor, and caliper.

John

[348tripower]

Why not just install the Explorer brakes on the Lincoln rear end? I've done this conversion several times. The only non stock part needed is a spacer 1/8" thick between the wheel bearing, and the retainer to account for the backing plate thickness.

This would be to simple.  Surely something must be wrong with this plan.  You are saying that if I remove the axle and the current caliper bracket, make a 1/8" spacer, then I can install the Explorer bracket, rotor, and caliper.

John

You must trust Frank!

[Charlie Chops 1940]

Frank,

Just wondering...are the Exploder rear disc backing plates the Torino big mount pattern (2.000x3.562) or the normal big Ford mounting pattern (2.375x3.500)? I'm guessing that John's Versailles rear is the latter. Can the Exploder backing plate be re-drilled to the big Ford pattern.

The 1/8" spacer is to move the axle flange out board, right? I've done that before on a qiuck change with Buick brake parts.

Charlie

[enjenjo]

Frank,

Just wondering...are the Exploder rear disc backing plates the Torino big mount pattern (2.000x3.562) or the normal big Ford mounting pattern (2.375x3.500)? I'm guessing that John's Versailles rear is the latter. Can the Exploder backing plate be re-drilled to the big Ford pattern.

The 1/8" spacer is to move the axle flange out board, right? I've done that before on a qiuck change with Buick brake parts.

Charlie

The explorer brake mounting plate can be redrilled. It come as a Torino pattern, but can be redrilled to the old big ford pattern. The Versaille rear ends I have converted have been Torino pattern. Not to say they may have used the old pattern too. Torino pattern has 3/8" bolts, the old big Ford pattern has 1/2" bolts.

The spacer can be installed behind the bearing to move the whole axle out. It can also be installed outside the bearing to keep the axle in if so desire. The caliper works fine either way..

The advantage to the Explorer brake they use a standad caliper, with a small drum type emergency inside, so standard Ebrake cable fit.

Ford Motorsports no longer list the conversion kit, but outside of the bracket and spacer all the other parts are available in most parts stores.

[WZ JUNK]

[Ford Motorsports no longer list the conversion kit, but outside of the bracket and spacer all the other parts are available in most parts stores.]

We have a winner.  Thanks so much.  This Ford stuff is all new to me.

Is there any particular year Explorer brakes that I should ask for at the salvage yard?  I know they are going to ask me.  

John

[enjenjo]

95 to 02 Explorer 98 to 04 Ranger

[Rochie]

I used the 96/02 crown vic rear discs on the 8in under my model A. As rank said all you need is a space 3in OD X 1/4 to take up the slack