Overview
The Baer Brakes 54042-020 is a front Claw performance rotor set for the 1997–2004 Ford F-150 in 4WD form. It is a pair of direct replacement, one-piece cast iron rotors with a cross-drilled and slotted friction surface, sold as a set. The title covers 97-98 and 99-04 F-150 4WD trucks with OE disc or drum rear brakes, which is the setup these rotors are written for.
The slots and drilled holes clear gases and dust from between pad and rotor during braking, supporting a steadier pedal and less brake fade. The zinc-plated finish is meant to look bright behind open-center wheels.
Key features
- Slotted and drilled friction surface lets gases and dust escape from between pad and rotor
- Enhanced vane structure with premium materials for cooling and durability
- Premium, mill balanced, direct replacement rotor
- Chamfered cross-drilled holes designed to minimize stress cracking
- Zinc-plated finish for a bright look in open-center wheels
- Vented rotor with a directional brake surface
Rear brake setup check
Front rotor changes are a good time to look at the rear brakes, since both axles share the same hydraulic system and the same brake fluid. Check whether the rear is disc or drum, because the rear setup affects the braking balance and the pad choice. Inspect rear shoes, drums or pads, and the wheel cylinders or caliper pistons for leaks or sticking before the truck returns to service.
Keep the front wheel bearings, hub seals and tie rod ends in mind during the job. Play or leaks in these parts can cause uneven pad and rotor wear and a noisy brake response. Use a torque wrench on the lug nuts after fitting and recheck them after the first few drives.
- Confirm the rear brake type before choosing pads
- Inspect wheel bearings and hub seals
- Torque lug nuts and recheck after the first drives
Specifications
| Brand | Baer Brakes |
|---|---|
| Part number | 54042-020 |
| UPC | 844165001911 |
| Sold as | Set (a pair of rotors) |
| Rotor construction | One piece, full cast |
| Material | Cast iron |
| Disc finish | Zinc plated |
| Surface type | Slotted and drilled |
| Rotor type | Vented |
| Brake surface | Directional |
| Axle | Front |
| Drive | 4WD |
| Stud/lug hole quantity | 5 |
| Mounting bolt hole circle diameter | 135 |
| Outside diameter | 307.85 |
| Overall height | 52.1 |
| Discard thickness | 24.6 |
| Grade type | Premium |
| Emission code | 6 |
| ABS tone ring included | No |
| Country of origin | CN |
Vehicle fitment
Fitment covers front applications on the 1997–2004 Ford F-150 in 4WD form, with rear brakes of the disc type. It also covers 97-98 and 99-04 4WD trucks with OE disc or drum rear brakes.
Not covered: 2WD F-150 trucks and other Ford models not named in the list. Check your rear brake type, since the title covers disc or drum setups while the fitment detail names disc. Confirm your vehicle’s year, model and trim before ordering.
Installation notes
Confirm your hub is five-lug with a 135 bolt circle before fitting, since the bolt pattern is the first check for these rotors. The ABS tone ring is not included. Have a qualified technician perform the brake work.
What’s included
One set: a pair of front Claw performance rotors.
Not included: ABS tone ring.
