Disc brake set up for 9''

I have a small bearing housing out of a '72 Lincoln Mark IV with 9 3/8 ring gear installed in my '79 Ranchero that I used 2000 Crown Vic rear discs/calipers/mounting brackets for my rear disc conversion. Here are some pics.

This pic shows where the bottom of the axle flange had to be trimmed to allow CV backing plate install.


This pic shows the CV backing plate/caliper mounting bracket assembly installed loosely.


This pic shows the required spacer between the axle flange retainer and the bearing that makes up the difference between the factory drum brake and CV backing plate/caliper mounting bracket. It measured .221".


This pic obviously shows the completed assembly. It uses off the shelf parts(minus the drilled rotors) so if needed, I can go to my local auto parts store and not need to wait on something to be special ordered/delivered to get me back on the road.


I had to install new bearings/lock rings/wear sleeves due to having to install spacers due to the dimension differences between the stock drum and Crown Vic disc brake backing plates. If you have a large bearing 9" housing this same type of conversion can be accomplished with Ford Explorer rotors/calipers/backing plates. .

tconnection wrote:I have the big ford ends. So with the explore stuff, do you know whether ild have to use any spacers? And my axles already have bearings on them. Will I have to have the bearings pressed off to get the retainer plate on?
Thanks

Unfortunately, you would have to remove the wheel bearing/lock ring off of the axles to install the required spacers to use the Explorer rear disc set-up, you shouldn't use the lock rings if they were already pressed on the axleshaft before(I always install new wheel bearing if I have to press the old ones off, saves a later headache). The good thing about using factory parts to do this conversion is that replacement parts are, both easily available and very affordable. Good luck, Todd

BTW, there are numerous write-ups/threads on the internet with good directions about installing the Explorer rear disc conversion. These should give better details on what is needed and/or required. Personally, I have seen only one Explorer conversion, but have heard and/or read it uses basically the same components/directions as a small bearing 9"/Crown Vic rear disc conversion.

"Update"
There is a way of installing a spacer between the retainer and wheel bearing without removing the wheel bearing or lock ring. I don't recommend this but it has been done, the long term outcome is unknown though, but probably will work just fine. Some have taken an appropriate sized spacer and cut it to look like an oversized "C", which can be slid in between the wheel bearing and retainer(NOTE, this spacer should be just a little bit smaller in overall diameter than the wheel bearing). Once the retainer is bolted to the housing's axle flange the spacer can't fall out. Just an option, just not sure if this way has any long term issues. Good luck, Todd