Brakes on Gen 2?

[user 64972]

Does the brake pads on a Gen 2 Sport Trac have an audible indicator like the chirp on a GM car? Just curious since my ST has over 60,000 miles on it?



Also has anyone replaced their shocks on a Gen 2. Any recommendations?



Thanks...

 

[Vic Sorlie]

Pull a wheel front and back and look at pad thickness. I believe there's a groove cut in the middle of each pad; if pad width is down close to bottom of the groove, time for a brake job. Lots of opinions on this site about pad and rotor preferences. As for shocks, there aren't that many choices on a Gen2. When I do mine they'll be KYBs.

 

[Supercharged SVT]

Bilstien makes the 5100 that will work - best performance ride yet

 

[Johnny O]

I'm partial to NAPA ceramic pads and their ultra premium rotors. Good stuff, don't cost an arm and a leg, and little to no dust. I have not replaced the struts yet, actually they still seem pretty good after 86k, but I will get new ones at 100k. As far as I know the only aftermarket replacements are Bilstiens and Monroe Reflex. Sears quoted me $860 for Reflexes, installed.

 

[Vic Sorlie]

Checked RockAuto for struts; they are listing Monroe Reflex, KYB and Rancho for both F/R on my 08 STA. Monroe rebate through Apr 30 a $90 Visa prepaid card on a set of four Reflex shocks. Rancho rebate through Jun 30 a $30 Visa card on set of four RS5000 series shocks. No rebate on KYB, but they're close in price to the Monroe parts. Pretty good deal on the Monroes.

 

[Todd Z]

NOPE< Crashed a set of rotors while on a road trip......



Just look more often now....LOL



Todd Z

 

[blksn8k]

Rancho also makes their Quick Lift shocks to fit the Gen 2. I believe this is the only shock/strut for the Explorer that comes fully assembled with a new coil spring, polyurethane bushings and all of the mounting hardware.

For the DIY types that is nice since they are a true bolt-on shock that does not require a spring compressor to remove the old springs from the old shocks and then re-install on the new shocks. These are advertised to raise the vehicle 1.5 inches which would be something anyone wanting to go with an oversize off-road tire might want to consider. They also have 9-way adjustment settings.