Is the 96+ brake swap worthwhile for a 95?

[avatar28]

How much of a difference does the brake swap really make on a GEN 2? Most of the discussion seems to center around doing it on the Gen 1 SHOs. Is it worthwhile or just I just get a good set of pads and be done with it? If I'm understanding it correctly, all I need to do is go to the boneyard and pull a couple of caliper brackets off a 96-2000 Taurus or Sable of any trim level. I don't need the caliper. I also need rotors of the same ones, assuming they're in good shape. I replace the caliper brackets with the salvaged ones and do the brake job as normal (using the larger rotors). When I buy pads do I buy them for the newer model or still do I still get ones for the 95? Would upgrading the caliper as well as the bracket and rotor be of any benefit?

Beyond the 96+ Taurus upgrade, I can also get dual piston PBR calipers (and rotors?) from a Mustang GT but it's a bit more work? I did the latter swap on the 94 Cougar I used to drive and it made a very noticeable difference in stopping ability.

 

[rubydist]

It depends on how you intend to use the car. For spirited daily driving, I have found the 96 brakes to be worth the upgrade. I simply used the FN74 brackets and 96 rotors, retaining the caliper and pad from the 95. After the swap, I never had a problem with rotor warp, while before I would - it was very sensitive to lug nut torque being exactly matched.

If you want to track the car, you likely want something even better.

 

[avatar28]

Nah, this will be my daily driver. I wouldn't even know where to go to the track around here or what to do when I got there.

 

[LOUDSHO92]

I think the brake upgrade even for daily driving. It gives you more stopping power and it is less prone to over heating.

The Mustang GT upgrade is less compared to the 96 upgrade. Granted it is dual piston calipers but it is a smaller radius arm and a smaller rotor. This means it more prone to over heating.

 

[SaltyDog]

I appreciate this forum

It depends on how you intend to use the car. For spirited daily driving, I have found the 96 brakes to be worth the upgrade. I simply used the FN74 brackets and 96 rotors, retaining the caliper and pad from the 95. After the swap, I never had a problem with rotor warp, while before I would - it was very sensitive to lug nut torque being exactly matched.

If you want to track the car, you likely want something even better.

This.

A question is posed and in less than an hour a thorough, well-informed response appears.

This site rocks - thanks MODs!

 

[avatar28]

Thanks guys. Looks like I will do the 96+ upgrade in a few weeks when it is warmer. I've got a set of 95 pads to put on tomorrow. How about the other half of my question, is there any benefit of going with the 96 calipers and pads too?

 

[itsstan]

retaining the caliper and pad from the 95

Shouldn't he use the 95 caliper with the 96 pad? Iirc the 95 pad is positioned so that the outer edge of the 96 rotor isn't being used, as opposed to the 96 pad which uses the outer edge of the rotor resulting in more braking force.

 

[avatar28]

Shouldn't he use the 95 caliper with the 96 pad? Iirc the 95 pad is positioned so that the outer edge of the 96 rotor isn't being used, as opposed to the 96 pad which uses the outer edge of the rotor resulting in more braking force.

Ah, this would be good to know BEFORE I do brakes tomorrow.

 

[Irish Pride]

I have a set of brackets/bolts you can have. Get yourself some 96 rotors, 96 pads and if I remember correct all the calipers 94 and up are the same. Doesn't make a difference if they are 94 or 99.

 

[kevinspann]

You need FN74 brackets, the part number will be cast into them. So 96-99 SHO, approx 01-07 Taurus/sable, and newer continentals.

Use the 598 part number pads, with were used on the same FN74 equipped cars. Even the listings for the 96-99 SHO can be wrong, so double check.

11.6 rotors from the aforementioned FN74 equipped cars

Use the caliper to knuckle bracket bolts from your 95, the 96+ bolts are too long.

Don't bother with the later calipers, there is no difference, *maybe* some visual differences in casting, but they work the same.

 

[rubydist]

yes, the 96+ pad is a little better. I just said that for daily driving I used the 94/95 pad and it was a big improvement over the stock 94/95 front brakes.

 

[waffles]

I would say it is worth it. I have a 93, so I had to replace the spindles (a bit of a hassle), but all your 95 needs are brackets, calipers, rotors and pads. When I first got my sho I drove it hard and would occasionally (ok it was pretty often) practice cornering out in the country side and be really ******* the brakes. I experienced quite a bit of fade. I knew I had the convention 21 coming up, so I knew I wanted to upgrade. I have to say that I did notice a pretty big difference. I have never faded since the 96 upgrade, I feel like I can stop much faster as well. I say go for it, If your basic maintenance is done! It's a fairly cheap upgrade if you can find the FN74 brackets on your own (maybe paint em). I have been told (by Mr.Porter) that he runs stock brakes, with an upgraded pad and stops well. If this upgrade is out of your price range I would get in touch with him. Good luck and don't be shy to ask questions.

 

[Irish Pride]

I have been told (by Mr.Porter) that he runs stock brakes, with an upgraded pad and stops well. If this upgrade is out of your price range I would get in touch with him. Good luck and don't be shy to ask questions.

 

[93markVIII]

You need FN74 brackets, the part number will be cast into them. So 96-99 SHO, approx 01-07 Taurus/sable, and newer continentals.

Use the 598 part number pads, with were used on the same FN74 equipped cars. Even the listings for the 96-99 SHO can be wrong, so double check.

11.6 rotors from the aforementioned FN74 equipped cars

Use the caliper to knuckle bracket bolts from your 95, the 96+ bolts are too long.

Don't bother with the later calipers, there is no difference, *maybe* some visual differences in casting, but they work the same.

and the mark viii. the brackets don't say fn74, but the brackets/calipers/pads/rotors function the exact same.
and mark viii owners usually toss these brackets/calipers after they go to cobra brakes.

i bought a set for the 92 not much above the price of shipping.

 

[pjtoledo]

If you have to do the brakes, yes the upgrade is worth it.
If you do spirited driving, the upgrade is definitely worth it.
If you get a flat on the front, change the rear first because stock spares don't fit over the 11.5" front brakes.
or get a 96+ spare

the newer calipers (2003?) are even better than the 94/95 or 96+, the tabs that back the outer pads are longer and provide more even coverage to the pad.


Perry

 

[avatar28]

If you have to do the brakes, yes the upgrade is worth it.
If you do spirited driving, the upgrade is definitely worth it.
If you get a flat on the front, change the rear first because stock spares don't fit over the 11.5" front brakes.
or get a 96+ spare

the newer calipers (2003?) are even better than the 94/95 or 96+, the tabs that back the outer pads are longer and provide more even coverage to the pad.


Perry

So should I look to pick up 03+ calipers and brackets and pads when I do it?