Power Stop 95-01 Ford Explorer Rear Z36 Truck & Tow Brake Kit w/Calipers

Carbon-Fiber Ceramic Pads, Drilled and Slotted Rotors, and Powder Coated Calipers for 1995-2001 Ford Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer

The PowerStop KC1858-36 is a complete rear brake upgrade kit for 1995-2001 Ford Explorer, 1995-2002 Ford Explorer Sport, 1997-2001 Mercury Mountaineer, and 1998-2002 Ford Ranger, combining cross-drilled and slotted rotors, Carbon-Fiber Ceramic brake pads, and powder coated calipers in a single bolt-on package. The Z36 Truck and Tow carbon-fiber ceramic pad compound is engineered for the higher heat and load demands of vehicles that tow or haul regularly, providing consistent stopping power without the fade that plagues standard OE pads under load. At 11.22 inches in diameter, the KC1858-36 rear rotors feature PowerStop's cross-drilled and slotted surface that maximizes heat dissipation and gas evacuation at the pad interface. Powder coated red calipers complete the upgrade with a corrosion-resistant finish that stands out behind the wheel while protecting the caliper body from rust and road debris. The KC1858-36 kit replaces the complete rear brake assembly with no cutting, drilling, or modification required.

Key Features

• PowerStop KC1858-36 rear Z36 Truck and Tow brake kit with calipers for 1995-2001 Ford Explorer, Explorer Sport, Mercury Mountaineer, and Ford Ranger
• Carbon-Fiber Ceramic Z36 brake pads deliver severe-duty stopping power without sacrificing daily drivability
• Cross-drilled and slotted 11.22-inch rear rotors maximize heat dissipation and gas evacuation under towing and hauling loads
• Powder coated calipers resist corrosion and add aggressive visual appeal behind the wheel
• Low-dust formulation keeps wheels cleaner compared to standard brake pads
• Complete 1-click bolt-on installation with all hardware included
• No bracket modification required on compatible applications
• OE-matched dimensions for a direct replacement without machining

Fitment

Specifications

What's Included

• 2x cross-drilled and slotted rear brake rotors
• 1 set Carbon-Fiber Ceramic Z36 rear brake pads
• 2x powder coated red rear brake calipers
• Premium stainless steel hardware kit

Frequently Asked Questions

The KC1858-36 includes two cross-drilled and slotted rear brake rotors, one set of Carbon-Fiber Ceramic Z36 brake pads, two powder coated red rear brake calipers, and all premium stainless steel installation hardware. No caliper mounting brackets are included, so the OE bracket remains in place.

Yes. The KC1858-36 fits the 1995-2001 Ford Explorer XLT as well as the Eddie Bauer, Limited, XLS, XL, and Sport trims. It also covers the 1997-2001 Mercury Mountaineer, 2001-2002 Ford Explorer Sport, and 1998-2002 Ford Ranger EV that share the same rear brake specification.

The Z36 Carbon-Fiber Ceramic compound is formulated specifically for trucks, SUVs, and 4x4s that carry heavy loads or tow regularly. The carbon-fiber reinforcement provides higher thermal capacity and more consistent pad bite under sustained braking compared to standard OE ceramic pads, with lower dust output and quieter operation than semi-metallic alternatives.

Both. The KC1858-36 rotors are cross-drilled and slotted. The drilled holes allow heat and gases to escape from the pad interface, while the slots continuously clean and refresh the pad surface during braking. This combination helps reduce fade during repeated hard stops or extended descents under load.

The KC1858-36 covers the rear axle only. PowerStop recommends replacing or servicing front brakes at the same time if they are worn or approaching their service limit. Mismatched brake wear front to rear can affect stopping balance and pedal feel.

Yes. PowerStop recommends performing a proper break-in cycle after installation. This involves a series of moderate deceleration stops from 35 mph that gradually build heat in the pads and rotors without coming to a complete stop. Proper bedding seats the pad material evenly across the rotor face and establishes consistent friction characteristics.

The KC1858-36 is specifically validated for the standard 1995-2001 Explorer, 2001-2002 Explorer Sport, and Mercury Mountaineer. The Sport Trac (introduced 2001) uses a different rear brake specification and is not covered by this kit. Verify the exact rear brake dimensions for your application before ordering.

No special maintenance is required beyond normal brake service intervals. The powder coat finish provides excellent resistance to road salt, moisture, and brake dust buildup. Avoid pressure washing the calipers directly, and inspect the finish during regular brake service for any chips or damage that could lead to corrosion at the caliper body.

Installation Instructions

1. Safely raise the vehicle and support on jack stands. Remove the wheels.
2. Remove the existing brake caliper from the mounting bracket. Support the caliper so it does not hang by the brake hose.
3. Slide the old rotors off the hub. Inspect wheel bearings and hub surfaces for wear or damage before proceeding.
4. Install the new KC1858-36 drilled and slotted rotors onto the hub. Secure with lug nuts or a rotor retaining screw if applicable.
5. Install the new Carbon-Fiber Ceramic Z36 brake pads into the caliper bracket or caliper using the included stainless steel hardware.
6. Mount the new powder coated KC1858-36 caliper over the rotor and secure to the mounting bracket. Torque all caliper bolts to specification.
7. Reinstall the wheels and torque lug nuts to the vehicle manufacturer specification.
8. Lower the vehicle and pump the brake pedal slowly until it becomes firm. This seats the caliper pistons against the new pads and rotors.
9. Check brake fluid level in the reservoir and top off if needed.
10. Perform the recommended PowerStop break-in procedure before returning the vehicle to normal driving.

WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including lead and phthalates, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.