2004 Ford Ranger Brakes

Why Should You Upgrade Your Brakes?

Your vehicle’s brakes are one of its most essential systems. Every vehicle can benefit from decreased braking distance, enhanced stopping power, and improved safety.

On hard-working pickups or heavily modified applications, beefed-up brakes aren’t just a matter of performance but of safety. When you install oversized tires on your pickup or performance components, it’s essential to install brakes that counteract the added rotational mass and inertia, ensuring you have enough stopping power to avoid collisions.

Brake Components

Your vehicle’s brake system is just that, a system—meaning it's made of several components that all work together, including:

Brake Calipers

Brake calipers are the driving force that pushes the pads into the rotors. Calipers feature anywhere between one and six pistons driven by pneumatic pressure from the power brake booster and master cylinder. As you press the brake pedal, brake fluid gets forced into the caliper, where it extends the pistons, thus pushing the brake pads against the rotor and creating the friction responsible for stopping your vehicle.

RealTruck Expert Pick: SSBC-USA Quick Change Caliper Kit

Why we love it: 

• Lightweight aluminum caliper construction

• Thick-walled stainless steel pistons

• Semi-metallic brake pads included with each set

• Bolts onto stock spindles

• Available in clear anodized, black, or red finishes

• Made in the USA

• Limited 1-year warranty

Brake Pads

Brake pads consist of a high-friction material on a metal backing plate. Pads are inserted into your vehicle’s brake calipers, where they're compressed against the rotors when you press on your brake pedal to create the friction required to bring your vehicle to a stop. Multiple formulations are available, including ceramic, semi-metallic, and organic.

RealTruck Expert Pick: EBC Extra Duty Truck Brake Pads

Why we love it: 

• Top-of-the-line brake pad

• Backing plate features NUCAP NRS hook technology

• High-volume Vee grooves help to vent and remove dust 

• NUCAP insulator shims for noise-free braking

• Effective stopping power above 1400 degrees F 

• Performs great at low temperatures

• Longest lifespan of any EBC brake pads

• Red brake-in surface coating for instantly safe braking after installation

• Limited warranty

Brake Rotors

Brake rotors, or brake discs, connect to the vehicle’s hub. The rotors provide a contact surface for brake pads. While most rotors have a flat, featureless surface, performance models feature milled slots, drilled holes, or a combination of the two to reduce heat, prevent glazing, and improve performance.

RealTruck Expert Pick: Power Stop Drilled and Slotted Rotors

Why we love it: 

• Durable G3000 grade gray iron castings from premier foundries

• Silver zinc plated to resist corrosion and rust

• Drill holes are designed to keep brake rotors up to 180 degrees cooler

• Slots are designed to clear rotors of dust and gas for consistent pad contact

• Increase brake performance

• Add an undeniably good look to custom or stock wheels

• 3-year | 36,000-mile warranty

Brake Accessories

Caliper Covers

Caliper covers don’t offer any performance benefits, but they do allow you to customize your vehicle and hide what can be an unsightly part of the brake system. Multiple colors and logos are available.

RealTruck Expert Pick: MGP Caliper Covers

Why we love it: 

• 6061-T6 aerospace-grade aluminum construction

• TIG welded for excellent durability

• Powder-coat finish protects from rust and corrosion

• Available in multiple finish options

• Stainless steel fastening system

• Limited 3-year warranty

• Made in the USA

Performance Brake Kits

Many manufacturers offer kits that include pads, calipers, and rotors under one part number, making upgrading your brake system with matching components a breeze.

RealTruck Expert Pick: Power Stop Z36 Truck and Tow Brake Kit

Why we love it: 

• Ideal for hauling or towing heavy loads or consistent travel in hilly terrain

• Includes Z36 brake pads, drilled and slotted rotors, and some kits include performance calipers

• 3-year | 36,000-mile warranty