Brake caliper bracket bolt...

[Eric VerValin]

can I use just a standard size? I have a set of FN74's and it looks like the bolts that came off the set of 97 knuckles I had, are a bit longer. Do I need caliper bracket bolts from a 95? Or is there a size I could get at lowes that would 'work' ?

 

[luigisho]

What caliper bracket are you referring to? The one that holds the caliper to the hub? As long as they fit and are of automotive grade quality you should be fine. I would not trust bolts from Lowe's. Try NAPA or Pep Boys-- they used to have bins of Motormite bolts that were the correct grade. If the current bolts are too long you could always cut them to fit.

 

[Storm-Chaser]

Eric,
Yes, the Gen III caliper bracket bolt is longer. I have three Ford part numbers for the Gen II front caliper bracket bolt:

N807-146-S100 ($11.77 ea.)
N807-146-S101 (supercedes to -S103 below)
N807-146-S103 ($2.67 ea.)​

Both active part numbers appear to be correct, and have the same item description: "Bolt-Metric 12 x 1.75 x 31.0mm Hex ******". The discountinued N807-146-S101 bolt had item description: "Bolt-Metric 12 x 1.75 x 30.5mm Hex ******", and is the one listed in the original SHOTimes.com parts list. Given the large difference in price, I ordered several of both (-S100 and -S103) to verify what differences there are. My order was delivered this afternoon, but I haven't been home yet to pickup the package from <FordPartsonline.com>.

Unless you can get a grade 10.9 metric equivalent, I [personally] wouldn't use a generic bolt from Lowes. One, it bolts into the knuckle and if its the incorrect bolt, you could damage the threads or have the bolt break-off in the knuckle. Second, why use a potentially substandard bolt that could result in brake failure?

Use blue locktite, because if either bolt backs-out, the caliper assembly will be thrown against the rim (I know, I had this happen to me after letting Midas service my brakes).

 

[Storm-Chaser]

What caliper bracket are you referring to? The one that holds the caliper to the hub? As long as they fit and are of automotive grade quality you should be fine. I would not trust bolts from Lowe's. Try NAPA or Pep Boys-- they used to have bins of Motormite bolts that were the correct grade. If the current bolts are too long you could always cut them to fit.

luigisho you are referring to the Axle Adapter plate - which I have had several dealerships try to tell me was the "caliper bracket" - and it's associated bolt, the caliper bracket bolt. This is because Ford has incorrectly labeled the item descriptions as such, in their parts inventory system (search FODZ-2C100-A, FODZ-2C101-A, and N805-086-S100, which are the axle adapter plates R/L and axle adapter plate bolt).

The adapter plate/bolts are only present in the rear brake assembly. The "FN74" bracket is the front caliper bracket required for the Gen I/II 11.6" front brake upgrade. Ford's image of both the front and rear brake assemblies and components is not the best, and as a result, I have had *several* instances of misidentification of bolts when trying to order both by phone and in person.

 

[Eric VerValin]

Great!! Thanks a lot! I've been waiting to do this upgrade for some time now!