I've been searching this group and other Explorer resources on the Internet but I haven't found much good advice on upgrading the brakes on my Explorer.
I have a 97 Limited, 4.0 SOHC, 4WD and I plan on pulling a trailer cross country this summer (I'm guessing about 3,500 lbs but I'm not sure). As far as I know most small trailers, such as UHauls, don't have brakes so it is up to the towing vehicle to stop the trailer. I found some Power Stop rotors at Summit Racing for $76 per front rotor, the pads are an additional $30. Is this enough to stop an extra 2 tons of weight? The front calipers are 2 piston calipers while the rears are single piston. Should I sink money into high performance calipers as well? Do I need to buy high performance rotors and pads for the rear?
As far as the rest of the truck goes, I plan on installing a trailer hitch, I recently flushed and filled the coolant, it has a tranny cooler with recently flushed and filled ATF Mercon V, power steering cooler, I'm not sure but I think the rear axle is 3.55:1. Does anyone have any other suggestions or advice on prepping or upgrading to safely tow a trailer?
Thanks, Dave Earle