Convert Drum to Disc?

[zombie13]

Is it possible? My '03 Taurus has rear Drums, and I hate changing Drum brakes. Should the time come (and I really hope it does) that I have to do anything with them, is it possible to convert them to discs? I'm looking for pure possibility here, not whether it would be cost effective or not, but whether it's something that could be done without significant modifications. I.E. something someone without much auto mechanics expierence could do. Does that make sense?

Z.

[brokenantimatter]

Yes.

[zombie13]

Originally Posted by brokenantimatter

Yes.

Is it as simple as removing the drum and replacing it with the disk stuff (Caliper brackets, etc...)?

Z.

[brokenantimatter]

Originally Posted by zombie13

Is it as simple as removing the drum and replacing it with the disk stuff (Caliper brackets, etc...)?

Z.

not if you are going to use the term disc stuff.

[brokenantimatter]

You'll want to take the entire set up off a SES or SE model that has it, probably have to run new lines for the master cylinder or you might even have to replace your current master cylinder, all that will cost about $650 - 800?

Then you can invest in 16inch slotted breaks and cobra r capilers they will both fit, which will run over $1,200.

Why do you want to install 4 disc brakes anyways? You wont see that much more of a stopping difference and it wont make you any safer. Front Disc / Rear Drum on 2000-2005 Taurii exceeded saftey specifications.

[zombie13]

Originally Posted by brokenantimatter

Why do you want to install 4 disc brakes anyways? You wont see that much more of a stopping difference and it wont make you any safer. Front Disc / Rear Drum on 2000-2005 Taurii exceeded saftey specifications.

I don't know that I do want to, in fact based on the prices you listed I don't. The main reason for the question is that everytime I have had to do anything with drum brakes, I have ended up busting something to get it done, usually a spring kit. If I end up having to do anything with these, and the cost was very reasonable (like only $100 - $200), that I might look more into it for ease of replacement/work in the future, but only if I had to do anything to them. Since I hope to keep this car for several years, I figured that it was an inevitibility that I would end up working on them, so I thought I'd ask. Also, because I was curious....and I like the sound of '4-wheel disc brakes'...

I appreciate the information.

Z.

[way2old]

Best way to save brake return springs is to loosen adjuster before you remove drum. The looser the drum is, the easier it comes off. I also agree with brokenantimatter on the cost factor and time involved. Also do not forget if it has ABS, you will need to change the ABS module, computer and sensors.

[zombie13]

Originally Posted by way2old

Also do not forget if it has ABS, you will need to change the ABS module, computer and sensors.

I wondered about that.

About the adjuster, I had to replace the adjuster on my Ranger twice 'cuz it broke. Even without the adjuster in there at all, I had a hell of a time getting the drum off and ended up just pulling and snapping the springs that hold the shoes against the back. I probably should have at least had the drums turned, if not replaced them altogether, but that was the day my son was bornded, so I was a little distracted when I had to finish...

Z.

[mwt878991]

There is a ton of bad information in this thread.

The rear disc option was ended in 1999 except for the station wagons.

The station wagon hardware will not fit.

You need the set up off an ABS Taurus and any of them will fit.

I spent an hour and half pulling the parts in a salvage.

And maybe an hour a side pulling the drums and all its related hardware and hoses and rerouting cables and installinng all the new hardware when I did the install.

You need the pie tins, backing plate ,hoses,hub/bearing,rotors,brackets,calipers,pads

Ebrake cables and prefferably the abs sensors.


This can all be had out of a Donor car for under a hundred dollars.

A lot of people have done this conversion on the 2000 and up including me and it was well worth the effort.

I did notice an increase in stopping power and the abs system works fine.

You dont have to change any computers ,modules or anything other than adding the correct ABS Sensors.



Mike

[zombie13]

Originally Posted by mwt878991

There is a ton of bad information in this thread.

The rear drum option was ended in 1999 except for the station wagons.

You mean '...rear disc option....'? I have rear drums....

Originally Posted by mwt878991

You need the set up off an ABS Taurus and any of them will fit.

I am guessing the rear setup, or can you take the fronts?


Z.

[mwt878991]

Originally Posted by zombie13

You mean '...rear disc option....'? I have rear drums....


I am guessing the rear setup, or can you take the fronts?


Z.

yes I meant rear disc option.


No you have to pull the rear. Prefferably a 96-99 car

Mike

[zombie13]

Originally Posted by mwt878991

yes I meant rear disc option.


No you have to pull the rear. Prefferably a 96-99 car

Mike

So that means that if(when) you have to fix anything that was replaced, you have to buy the part for the car you swipped the parts from, not the car you are actually fixing. I am guessing this applies for rotors/pads as well, right?

Seperately, does it distribute the braking to front and rear evenly, or does it still split it so more is on the front?

Z.

[mwt878991]

Of course you would have to buy parts for the application you just swapped.

I do not know exactly what the proportioning is but it works out fine.

the car stops nice and flat.

[brokenantimatter]

Originally Posted by mwt878991

There is a ton of bad information in this thread.

The rear disc option was ended in 1999 except for the station wagons.

No it didn't

2000+ SES came standard with Rear Discs and SE came with optional rear disc.

[mwt878991]

Originally Posted by brokenantimatter

No it didn't

2000+ SES came standard with Rear Discs and SE came with optional rear disc.

This is the internet and getting in a pissing contest will prove nothing.


Ford did not offer rear disc brakes on a sedan for the model year 2000 or newer.

It was offered on the Station Wagon. The Station Wagon rear brakes will not fit a sedan and never have since the inception of the Taurus.

in theory you can use any Generation Taurus sedan setup on the 2000 and newer but the GenIII (96-99) with ABS is the most straight forward.

The picture I posted is a 2000 SES 24V DOHC. I converted it myself from Drums to Disc. I also put the 2001 larger front disc setup on the front of it.

I also have a 2000 SEL 24V DOHC which is the top of the line offered that year and it has drum rear brakes also.

I spend way too much time on the Taurus and SHO forums and there has never been one instance of a person claiming that they have a 2000 or newer Taurus with Factory Rear Disc brakes.

You will not find any listing for rear disc brake parts for a 2000 or newer sedan from Ford or any after markert supply house.

Like I said, I have no intention of arguing with you, I am just stating facts.

Mike