Best Rotors and Brakes?

[BajaSportsmobile]

Originally Posted by JoeH

I'm not sure that is correct. Bigger brakes will fit on 16" OEM wheels but not on many of the aftermarket alloy rims many of us have, for example, ATX Mojaves.[/url]

It is correct. Check out the last two pictures.

E250/E350 have always come with 16 inch OEM wheels, steel and a couple different aluminum versions. There are many 16 inch aftermarket wheels that will direct fit.

The only problem we have had is if stick on wheel weights are placed in the wrong location, they will rub.

These are all 16 inch wheels with late model brakes:

Stock wheels:


Aftermarket wheels:

[JoeH]

Good info Ramsey. I have 16" ATX Mojaves and hoping someone can confirm they fit with 08+ E350 brakes.

The other thing I wonder about is if tucking the bigger calipers into a tight space with bigger rotors results in over-heating issues? On the other hand, my wheels are 11 years old and replacement might be a good idea anyway.

[carringb]

The bigger rotors improve heat dissipation, simply because there is more mass and much more surface area. Those bigger rotors are how you fix the overheating issues that would be common with the old ones.

I've still gotten my pads hot enough to get smelly, but no more warping or cracking on the rotors.

[arctictraveller]

As for warped rotors, when I bought my van the brakes pulsated badly so I figured I needed new rotors, but when I checked the run-out and thickness variation, they were pretty straight. It turns out that simply scrubbing the rotors with a course 3M pad and strong soap solution solved the problem. As I understand it, a small layer of brake pad material is transfered to the rotor , and if this becomes un-even they will slip and stick on each revolution. When installing new pads, many manufactures recomend the 3M scrubb followed by many quick stops with each one a bit harder until the brakes are really hot (mine were smoking a bit) Then you park with the brakes off until they are cold. This transfers that small layer of material to the rotor. So far so good after thousands of miles, and no more warped rotor feeling. It's worth trying at least.

[carringb]

Good point about not-really-warped rotors. This is a rally good write-up:
-Warped- Brake Disc and Other Myths

That said... the too-small old rotors combined with heavy trailers and marginal trailer brakes, most definitely warped mine

[arctictraveller]

Immediately after posting my reply I came across this thread, which explains what happens better than I did.


http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/for...bble-6319.html

[SixCardCharlie]

So since im going to go with napa rotors and pads, what year should i tell them the van is?

[moorefc]

Originally Posted by SixCardCharlie

So since im going to go with napa rotors and pads, what year should i tell them the van is?

If you haven't modified the brakes per the comments above you have a 2004 E350.....If the mods were done ford went to the larger brakes in 2008 and on.

It may make sense to buy the napa rotor/pad kit...don't know if they meet the criteria of the subject line, though...

You might re-read artictraveller's comment...

happy trails

[Bbasso]

The only brake setup I've been happy with is Motorcraft replacement parts...
Napa, AZ, and all the junk easily sourced aren't worth the time.
I've yet to try Raybestos on my E350s but I'd bet it's good.

[Slicks]

I will try to find a link to the guy on EBay I bought mine from this last winter, it was like 200.00 For the whole 08 setup shipped from FL. That was rotors, calipers, pads, and it included the wheel bearings and these were new take off's with like two miles on them.