Axle swap nightmare

[Jinx]

Ok I need help here. I own a 83 CJ5 that originally came with a straight 6 with 4 speed tranny, I removed it and put in a AMC 304 (runs great) with a T-150 3 . Only problem is now my gear ratio was way off (2.23 I think). So to try to fix this problem I had a kid from the local auto vo-tech swap out both front and back axles that have a 3.54 gear ratio. I decided to swap axles thinking it would just be easier in the long run because I have a 76 Cj that I use for a parts vehicle.

Here is where the fun begins. Local kid moved out of state when the job was half done. New kid stepped in and tried to fix. To make a long story short I now have a jeep with 10 in front drum brakes and 8 inch back drum brakes. One of the kids changed the back axle shaft back to original so he could hook up the emergency brake. Everyone I have talked to says it shouldn't matter but to me it seems that your brake calipers are different sizes (front to back).

So recently my master cylinder went out so I put a new one on and now my peddle goes to the floor and I have to pump it about 5 times to build up pressure. I have bled it repeatedly over a course of three days. I also bench bled the master a few times as well.

Any thoughts???? Should those effect my stopping in any way?

 

[NorthwestCJer]

You have multiple issues here.
The last one...pumping your brakes! you have air in the lines still. You need to bleed them out.

Question! When you had your I6, you had a 4 speed. You swapped in a AMC 304 and a 3 speed? why didn't you use your 4 speed?

Your 76 CJ front has drum brakes and your 83 has disc. Bad swap in my opinion!

76 and 83 AMC20 rears should be same rear brakes, I have never checked the brake size but I would think there would not have need cable issues from one to the other.

Good Luck

 

[caveman]

Another reason for haveing to pump the brakes is that they may be way out of adjustment. Drum brkes need to be adjusted. If the auto adjusters are working, Backing up and applying the brakes will adjust them. If they are not working, You may have to do it manualy.

 

[Petescj]

Another reason for haveing to pump the brakes is that they may be way out of adjustment. Drum brkes need to be adjusted. If the auto adjusters are working, Backing up and applying the brakes will adjust them. If they are not working, You may have to do it manualy.

I'm all for swapping parts I have available to save money but in this case it would've been better to spend a couple bucks. Your best move would've been to have the 3.54s installed in your stock axles. That way you keep the much better front disc brakes and have the correct proportioning valve. If your 4spd was a T-4 then your better off with the T-150 3spd. If it was a T-176 /7 then you'd be better off swapping it back in.

 

[Posi]

I don't see a problem that can't be fixed.
According to your sig you have a 77 CJ7 parts Jeep
Swap front disc brakes from the 83 to the 77, your prop valve won't work correctly if you don't (83 set up for disc drum)
Rear should be the same if stock
Bench bleed master cylinder plenty of info on the net if your not sure how

 

[Petescj]

I don't see a problem that can't be fixed.
According to your sig you have a 77 CJ7 parts Jeep
Swap front disc brakes from the 83 to the 77, your prop valve won't work correctly if you don't (83 set up for disc drum)
Rear should be the same if stock
Bench bleed master cylinder plenty of info on the net if your not sure how

Great point about the brake swap considering where he's at now. I didn't think of that. If I'm reading correctly you still have both of the 76 axles in the Jeep now correct? Only one rear axle shaft was replaced right, not the whole axle?