Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Brakes Swap drums for rotors

I am new here I am from New Hampshire. I have a 98.5 Toreador red SE Zetec, auto. So far I have added a DEI remotye start and keyless entry, 2 Rockfor Punch XLC 12" Subs powered by a Rockford 250a2 amp. A Pioneer DEHP7200 head unit. Also 17" Team Loco 150 rims on 205/45ZR17 Kumho Ectsa Supra 712's. I have Eibach lowering springs but I am waiting for My Konis to come in before I put the springs on. So I don't have to take it apart twice. I want to swap the rear drums for rotors, Has anyone done this or know someone who has?

There has been a lot of duscussion about this, but there does not seem to be anyone that has done this yet. It should be very doable, but no one seems to be sure of just what all parts are needed. It would probably be wise to find a donor car in a wrecking yard and a wrecking yard operator that is willing to work with you.

Probably the main reason that no one has done it yet is that our rear drum system is a very good drum system so the need is not quite as strong.

Don't forget that you can install the larger SVT / Cougar front brakes on the car with a big improvement.

Check some of the older postings and you will find a wealth of information about modifications on our brake systems.

"who's a-fraid of the big bad .....?"

Anywho BigBaddie,

Jimbo's right. It's a great idea, just no "where do I sign" mail-order kit for it. Get a set of jackstands and a floor jack. The easy things will/should be:

*New set of rear pads (auto parts store)
*calipers (rebuilt - also from an auto parts store)
- try to find two from a salvage yard to help defray the core charge
*rotors (auto parts store) get them turned unless you don't mind a little good vibrations...

This is where it says "more challenging" on the box...

*Need a different rear knuckle so you can mount the caliper (salvage yard or new from ford i guess [bend over])
*Swap the back plate on drum models to a splash shield.

You didn't mention ABS but the wheel sensor might be pretty damn close. Your original hub should also be compatible.

CMIIW, but I believe it is steel brake line in the rear, compared to rubber hose up front. Not only will it be hard to flex it into place, but I'm not sure if the fitting going into the wheel cylinder will fit an OE caliper. Don't forget to bleed the system. Get DOT 3 fluid.

Oh, I just remembered. Parking brake components will have to be swapped (or don't park on a hill in N) Again, easiest is to find someone who took daddy's contour and mashed the front end, etc.

Then Foliatec em like you did the front calipers. I know you did.

The boys at SP, BAT, KKM, etc, would prob. say while you're in there, get a brake kit. Not a bad idea.

Hopefully that is concise enough. If I forgot something else, givaholler.