Overview
The Baer SS4 Plus front disc brake kit in Hugger Orange, part number 4261379HO, is an 11-inch front brake upgrade for 1970 to 1974 Ford and Mercury models that came with drum brakes up front. A four-piston S4 caliper clamps onto a two-piece slotted, drilled, zinc-plated rotor, and the assembly is designed to mount on original drum brake spindles.
Baer scaled the SS4 Plus down from its larger systems so it suits 15-inch wheels. Billet aluminum hubs arrive assembled with bearings, and the mounting brackets and braided stainless hoses are part of the package, which keeps the front brake parts matched to one another.
Key features
- Four-piston S4 fixed caliper with a Hugger Orange powder-coated finish
- Vented, two-piece rotors measuring 11.0 inches, with slots and drilled faces
- Anodized aluminum pistons paired with stainless steel abutments
- Dual seals against dust, weather and pressure
- Billet dust caps and bearings packed with Redline synthetic grease
- Steel braided hoses, DOT approved
Checking the spindles before buying
Converting a drum-brake front end to discs is mostly a matter of confirming the hub and spindle arrangement before any parts go on the car. Drum-equipped spindles are the usual starting point for this kind of conversion, and a few checks save time: the wheel must clear the caliper and rotor, and the wheel’s mounting face has to sit squarely against the hub. Inspect existing spindles for cracks, worn bearing journals and bent steering arms before reusing them, since the front end carries the braking load on every stop.
Disc conversions also change how the braking system behaves. A larger rotor and a four-piston caliper generally give more consistent pedal control under heavy use, but the rear drums and master cylinder were sized for the original setup. Many owners replace the flexible brake lines and fluid at the same time, and they recheck the parking brake adjustment after the conversion. Pads wear faster on a car driven hard, so inspect them and the rotor surface at regular intervals.
- Inspect spindles for cracks and worn bearing surfaces
- Check wheel clearance over the caliper before final assembly
- Re-torque lug nuts after the first few drives
- Review master cylinder and proportioning valve compatibility with the front disc setup
Specifications
| Brand | Baer Brakes |
|---|---|
| Part number | 4261379HO |
| UPC | 90127903971 |
| Kit type | Complete kit |
| Axle position | Front |
| Caliper | S4, four-piston, fixed |
| Caliper color | Hugger Orange |
| Rotor outside diameter | 11.0 inch |
| Rotor construction | Vented, two-piece |
| Rotor thickness | 1.02 inch |
| Rotor surface | Slotted, drilled and zinc plated |
| Minimum wheel diameter | 15.0 inch |
| Lug count | 5 lug |
| Wheel bolt pattern | 5×4.50 |
| Wheel stud size | 1/2-20 x 2.25 inch |
| Brake pad type | DR1 or HB100 (FMSI DR1) |
| Hose material | Steel braided |
| Brake hose DOT approved | Yes |
| Template | S162A |
| Grade type | Performance |
| Fitment notes | With OE drum brake spindles |
| Country of origin | USA |
Vehicle fitment
Baer’s applications for this kit, each requiring original drum brake spindles, are:
- 1970 Ford Fairlane
- 1970 Ford Falcon
- 1970–1974 Ford Maverick
- 1970–1973 Ford Mustang
- 1970–1971 Ford Torino
- 1971–1974 Mercury Comet
- 1970–1973 Mercury Cougar
- 1970 Mercury Cyclone
- 1970–1971 Mercury Montego
Not covered by this list: Ford Torino from 1972 onward, Mercury Montego from 1972 onward, and Ford Mustang or Maverick from 1975 onward. Confirm your vehicle’s year, model and trim before ordering.
Installation notes
Check that the car still has original drum brake spindles before choosing this kit, since it is written for them. Dry-fit the wheel against the S162A template first; Baer cannot guarantee fit with every wheel style, and the wheel needs at least a 15.0-inch minimum diameter. Brake work is safety-critical, so have a technician bleed the system and bed the pads.
What’s included
Mounting brackets, stainless braided hoses and hardware. Billet aluminum hubs with premium bearings and billet dust caps. Two-piece rotors pre-assembled with NAS high-grade stainless hardware. The S4 four-piston caliper assembly.
Not included: Wheels.
