Theory... 2001 E350 brake upgrade to 2008 front rotors and calipers?

[Bikersmurf]

I've got a '97 ambulance that a few years back I replaced the front brakes with 2001 parts...

I also replaced the Master and booster with 2001 parts.


I've been looking into 2008 and newer larger and thicker rotors and calipers. This is roughly what they'd look like. The first option would be discarded parts like these from a 2016 E350 that was converted to 4WD. If I could get dually front end from a 2008+ E350 it looks like it would more or less bolt onto my 1997.

This pic is from an RV conversion documented on this forum.

Alternatively, It appears that the spindle on a 2001 is the same as a 2008 E350. Theoretically, the 2001 spindles would accept the larger 2008 hubs/rotors and the matching brake calipers.

Would these 2008 brakes be a worthwhile upgrade over 2001 brakes? The rotors are 1/2" larger in diameter, thicker, and the pistons are larger in diameter.

Has anyone swapped newer hubs/discs onto older spindles? Or bolted a newer front end onto a pre 2008 E350?

 

[ujoint]

We've done it a few times, only issue may be with the ABS so plan to swap some sensors around fig your rig has front ABS.

 

[Bikersmurf]

We've done it a few times, only issue may be with the ABS so plan to swap some sensors around fig your rig has front ABS.

Thanks Chris, it's good to know it works... not just in principle. My rig does have an abs sensor on each front wheel and one in the center of the rear Dana 70 axle. So I'll need to mix and match some parts to make the abs work right. It's good to know it has been done. The original pistons in the calipers that came on the rig had turned blue from heat and the rotors were badly checked. I replaced them with '01 brake parts that came from a rig that had a brake job just before it was written off.

Given that the parts would likely cost at least $1000-1500 here, I'll likely not rush out an swap them just because. I'll wait till I can find 2008+ parts for a deal or the current rotors need to be replaced. If I keep my eyes open, the right opportunity should hopefully come up eventually.

 

[iggi]

Next year I'll have a good deal on a 2009 front suspension, but the shipping will be a bugger.

 

[Bikersmurf]

Next year I'll have a good deal on a 2009 front suspension, but the shipping will be a bugger.

I'll keep that in mind. It's likely that one of my son's will be moving to Calgary and another will be half way there. So... who knows, I may be visiting out that way.

 

[Bikersmurf]

I'll keep that in mind. It's likely that one of my son's will be moving to Calgary and another will be half way there. So... who knows, I may be visiting out that way.

As things work out, the deal fell through for the interior property. The seller was extremely uncooperative and we didn’t the information from the seller to buy insurance. Deal collapsed because we needed a couple extra days to get an insurance binder.

On another front… as timing works out. Ran out of time and had to do a brake job while parked at the side of the road away from home.
The pads started making death noises. Three were due, and one was overdue. Well to be honest they were all overdue. That’s the problem with driving more in three months than I usually drive in a year.



The little 120v compressor had no problem spinning the lug nuts off and on with a good 1/2” impact. If you’ve ever wondered if there’s a difference between a good impact and a cheap one… there is a huge difference. Small tank, small compressor, small lines… No problem with 140 ft/lb nuts.

I did have to pick up a #47 Torx, and brake pads. But I did have impact wrenches, sockets , and basic tools onboard. We’ll now have to see how long the fleet service “Medium Duty” Raybestos pads stand up. They appeared to be the best pads available from a Jobber at 8:00 am… time will tell.

 

[PhillySMB]

I upgraded the brakes and related suspension parts on my 98 E250 Sportsmobile to the 2008+ front end. Best upgrade I did to that van! You also get the newer style front sway bar with end links, etc. Basically a bolt-on. IIRC I needed longer brake lines, and I forget what we did about the ABS plug but I know it wasn’t hard to make work. There are several detailed threads on the Sportsmobile Forum site that will be helpful for you. I got my parts back in 2012 as new take-offs from Quigley here in PA for like $350 for the whole setup! (That was a good deal…)


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[Bikersmurf]

For the time being, I’ve replaced the previous pads with Raybestos Medium Duty Fleet Service pads. Now I’m finding it’s possible to get the front ABS to trigger on dry pavement… so much stronger than before. The pads are also way thicker than I remember the last set being. Hopefully that’ll mean they last longer.