Hello, I have a 99 Ford Ranger 2.5L. I am replacing my front brakes and calipers(just calipers, not caliper brackets). I have the new caliper attached to the brake line and the pad hardware installed(on caliper and caliper bracket). I have greased the hardware along with the the outer edge of the pads. I go to put the pads into the caliper mounting bracket and the pads fit in really tight, like I have to force them in. Here is my question, Is this common? I read all around the internet trying to find a solution before posting. I come up with different answers. Should I grind the edge of the pads to make them fit better? Should I file the mounting bracket? Leave them alone? Please help me, Thank you for your time.

Force them in with a screwdriver? Or you have to force them in so tight you are afraid of breaking a pad?

__________________
2004 Edge 3.0 5 speed
4x4, flareside. Red

I was just worried that they are in there to tight. Shouldn't they be able to slide freely? I would hate to have my pads get stuck and constantly ride the rotors.

I wouldn't worry. The pressure on the pads with the rotor plus the Pistons of the caliper will add plenty of normal friction. That pressure will overcome any sort of "tight fitting pad"

__________________
2004 Edge 3.0 5 speed
4x4, flareside. Red

i used the mounting hardware included but i noticed the same tightness and used a disc grinder so it just had a slight amount of pressure. do not remove too much material. just enough so it is like the old pads were.