Ford AU/BA/FG Brake upgrade

[Kingsley]

I've just replaced the suspension on the XR8 with stock height Kings springs and the shocks with Koni's. While pulling everything apart I thought I might upgrade the brakes next.
It currently has the stock AU S3 XR8 brake package, albeit with grooved discs and better pads.
From researching various threads I've found the BA/BF XR8/Turbo fronts are a direct fit. I've found the BA/BF XR6 calipers are identical to XR8/Turbo but require larger carriers for larger discs. So with that in mind, do the front brake hoses have to be changed from AU S3 to BA/BF?

The rears I've found I'll either have to fit BA/BF ute/wagon backing plates or shim the caliper with 2-5mm washer to fit the single piston BA/BF caliper to the IRS rear end. Are the brake hoses the different between AU and BA/BF calipers?
However I may have come across some Territory rear calipers. I would imaging brake lines would be different but what else is needed for those to fit? Do the calipers need to be swapped to opposite sides? (left to right & right to left for the calipers to fit).
Has anyone actually done this conversion who knows exactly whats required? Am I better of with the stock package, BA BF XR8/Turbo package or go the BA/BF Turbo fronts/FG/Territory rears?

[PG2]

Originally Posted by Darren290

I've just replaced the suspension on the XR8 with stock height Kings springs and the shocks with Koni's. While pulling everything apart I thought I might upgrade the brakes next.
It currently has the stock AU S3 XR8 brake package, albeit with grooved discs and better pads.
From researching various threads I've found the BA/BF XR8/Turbo fronts are a direct fit. I've found the BA/BF XR6 calipers are identical to XR8/Turbo but require larger carriers for larger discs. So with that in mind, do the front brake hoses have to be changed from AU S3 to BA/BF?

The rears I've found I'll either have to fit BA/BF ute/wagon backing plates or shim the caliper with 2-5mm washer to fit the single piston BA/BF caliper to the IRS rear end. Are the brake hoses the different between AU and BA/BF calipers?
However I may have come across some Territory rear calipers. I would imaging brake lines would be different but what else is needed for those to fit? Do the calipers need to be swapped to opposite sides? (left to right & right to left for the calipers to fit).
Has anyone actually done this conversion who knows exactly whats required? Am I better of with the stock package, BA BF XR8/Turbo package or go the BA/BF Turbo fronts/FG/Territory rears?

So many questions, maybe we need to talk about this over coffee.

I've done the 322mm front and 303mm rear conversion. If I was to have my time over again I would fit the territory brakes (328mm) to the rear. Once I sort out a few other things I may still upgrade.

Some say that the AU brake lines will fit on the front. Mine did fit but were stretched to their absolute capacity when the wheels were on full lock. When I upgraded to braided lines I had to have them lengthened.

The rear brake lines won't fit up to Territory rears.

I would upgrade the brake lines at the same time as you update the brakes.

[Kingsley]

Coffee?? Sure!!
I've already upgraded the brake lines to Safebrake braided which required drilling new holes for the mounts. I guess I'll contact them to get a set of rears to suit.
From what I've been told, they will fit but they need to be mounted on opposite sides ie left on right, right on left side. Apparently everything else is straight forward swap with a small modification to the backing plate unless I use either FG or Territory backing plates.

[Uncle_Ken]

Originally Posted by Darren290

I've just replaced the suspension on the XR8 with stock height Kings springs and the shocks with Koni's. While pulling everything apart I thought I might upgrade the brakes next.
It currently has the stock AU S3 XR8 brake package, albeit with grooved discs and better pads.
From researching various threads I've found the BA/BF XR8/Turbo fronts are a direct fit. I've found the BA/BF XR6 calipers are identical to XR8/Turbo but require larger carriers for larger discs. So with that in mind, do the front brake hoses have to be changed from AU S3 to BA/BF?


I say no.


The rears I've found I'll either have to fit BA/BF ute/wagon backing plates or shim the caliper with 2-5mm washer to fit the single piston BA/BF caliper to the IRS rear end. Are the brake hoses the different between AU and BA/BF calipers?


Careful with the 'bend' in the rear brakes. I have Terry rears on mine and at first I 'bent/had' them facing upwards in a inverse U shape. Over time with the rear wheel bouncing up and down the rubber hose rubbed/hit the inside on the chassis which is VERY sharp. Sure enough after about 1 year BANG the hose was cut !



However I may have come across some Territory rear calipers. I would imaging brake lines would be different but what else is needed for those to fit?


I have Terrys with BF cables on the rear (as the mount is the same as AU rears



Do the calipers need to be swapped to opposite sides? (left to right & right to left for the calipers to fit).



I cant remember but they do fit on standard mount.


Has anyone actually done this conversion who knows exactly whats required?

Yes I have and its in the thread below


Am I better of with the stock package, BA BF XR8/Turbo package or go the BA/BF Turbo fronts/FG/Territory rears?

That's personal choice. My brakes 'feel' a little better in my daily drive XR8 but its no a huge improvement (unless you do track days etc) They also 'look' better as they are just a lot bigger than standard. I would assume in an emergency stop situation on paper bigger rotors/pads/calipers must stop your car better than smaller.





This thread will have all the answers
http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthr...e+brake&page=8
UK

[Kingsley]

Thanks UK!!!

[Uncle_Ken]

Thats what the forum is for. As with any advice to get/see check twice and make sure you are happy with what you are planning to do.
Uk