tomw (and whoever else is interested):
The change to '95-97 knuckles allows further brake upgrades:
The stock '95-97 uses 10.28" rotors/matching caliper; the '98+ Ranger can have exact parts (There is minor difference - 98+ rotors have 2.83" hub registry so you need 98+ rims; pre-'98s have 2.50 hub registry).
But '98+ Rangers can have 11.28" rotors/matching caliper (actually that isn't 100% true: caliper is identical from '95-'11, it is the bracket that the caliper mounts to which spaces the caliper out 0.500", but you can't buy the bracket separate, although you can just pull it at wrecker). Hopefully, that makes sense...
A further upgrade is the '02-05 Explorer Sport Trac RWD, which has 12" rotors, calipers in which the pistons are another 2mm larger and brackets which make it all fit (0.250" further out than the Ranger ones). Now, RWD Sport Tracs being rare in wrecker yards, I had to shell out for new parts...
And there is significant difference between 10.28" rotors with 46mm pistons and 12.01" rotors with 48mm pistons! (About 1/3 more power)
Note: The Sport Trac solution does require 16" wheels with 2.83" hub registry; the OEM 14" wheels no longer work.