Lazy Daze Owners' Group

Upgraded front brakes-pre 2008 E450

November 18, 2024, 12:26:18 pm

In 2008, Ford upsized the E450's front brakes significantly.
I'm a few years late, only recently discovering that the front brakes of the pre-2008 E450s can use the same brake rotors, calipers, and pads as the 2008 and later E450s. To complete the package, new caliper brackets, caliper bolts, and brake hoses are required.
The rotors are slightly larger in diameter and almost a half-inch wider. They are also 13 lbs heavier, more mass to absorb braking energy. The brake pads and caliper pistons are larger.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1277783-08-brake-upgrade-with-photos.html#post13736585

If a brake job is on the horizon for your pre-2008 E450, consider this upgrade, especially if you tow.
Towing heavy Jeeps have caused our LD's front brake rotors to warp twice. The next time the brakes need work, the 2008 and later front brakes will be installed.

Larry

Re: Upgraded front brakes-pre 2008 E450

Reply #2 – November 20, 2024, 06:03:00 pm

I spent a bit of time on Rock Auto cross-referencing the brake part specifications for the  2003 and 2008 E250, E350, and E450.
It looks like everything should fit. The 2008's knuckles, caliper, caliper brackets, rotors, and pads have the same.part numbers for the E250, E350, and E450.. The same front brakes are used from 2008 to the latest E-series models.
The E450's increased braking power is the result of the greater hydraulic pressure brake line pressure produced by the hydro-boost. The E250 and E350 have vacuum brake boosters, compared to the E450's hydro-boost.
 
An amazing amount of E450 parts have been interchangeable through the years, except the electronics.
Assume I will try this conversion before next summer's longer trip.

Larry