Front brake upgrade...why not earlier year donors?

[PushnFords]

I've been reading about the brake upgrade but I've got two problems. #1 is my budget which restricts me to my local salvage yard who gives me good deals on parts. #2 is my local salvage yard's lack of any panther '96+.

According to the FAQ I'd need:

96-02 spindles
98-02 hub bearings
96-02 lower ball joints
92-94 upper control arms
92-94 upper ball joints
i leave 95 out if it cause that was the changeover yr..... some 95's will have the spindle you need..... midyear they changed the suspension
98-02 caliper brackets
98-02 calipers
98-02 rotors
98-02 brake hoses

So...what is the significance of using the '98-02 parts? One post I read (that I can't find now) said that the rotors were basically the same but the '98+ gave you dual piston calipers that required 16" wheels. I have a set of 15" wheels and tires I'd really like to use...and I don't really care that much about having dual piston calipers...so could I grab everything off of a '95 CV at the local yard that looks like it has a nice condition suspension?

[gadget73]

You could, but its not much of an upgrade. The rotor is a little bigger, but thats about it. Honestly if you're going to the trouble of changing the front brake assembly over, you may as well go for the 98-02 stuff. Its all the same amount of work, and nearly the same cost for parts excepting the wheels. If you're not gonna go 98-02, just rebuild the stock stuff and call it good. Putting a used front end from a 15 year old car is probably not a good value for your time and money. You'd do better to rebuild the stock suspension with good parts vs sticking different used junk in there.

[91waggin]

This is precisely why I haven't bothered to do the big brake upgrade. I have a nearly brand new set of Michelins on my car in 15". I don't want to waste them.