Dana 30 drum to disc conversion question

[moriartii]

I am looking to convert the drums on my CJ's Dana 30 front axle.

I have been researching this and it appears the most efficient way is to get a kit from "The Jeep Guy". It appears I could also source the parts, one option is to find a Dana 30 with discs already.

Question I have is, in my reading it says to pull everything off the Dana 30 with discs from the knuckles out. I am assuming the means separate the ball joints and swap everything from that point out? If not what does that mean?

I have to do the ball joints on mine anyway so this seems like a good time to do this.

Thank you
Lee

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Yes-Pull it all.
Does this kit come with a new MC and hard lines?
Hope you have power brakes. Discs need more psi, than drums do.
LG

 

[moriartii]

Lumpy
Sorry to be dense here but when you say "pull it all" you mean from the ball joints out?

The Jeep Guy kit looks to be the GM parts that one can use. I believe Jeep Guy has just source the parts already making it easier for me. Comes with the rotors, calipers, longer wheels studs installed, pads and the backing plate to mount the caliper.

I have, I believe, a manual setup since I just have the M/C no booster behind it. I am able to get the MC/booster from Jeep Guy as well.
Lee

 

[Lumpy Grits]

R&R from the knuckle outward.
You'll want to have the wheel alignment ck'd when done. Especially the toe-in.
You will really want the powder brake set up with discs.
Also-make sure the brake booster setup will not interfere with say the air cleaner etc.
LG

 

[mtnwhlr]

I've had 2 CJs that came stock with discs on the front and manual brakes and they worked just fine. I tend to like the manual brake because if it dies going up a steep hill your brakes still work the same.

 

[Belizean]

Mine are disc with no booster and work well. I don't have large tires though either.

 

[HackFabrication]

Lots of ways to skin this cat:

Swap front axle. You'll need to find one that is narrow track, and has the same ratio as the rear.

Swap everything from the knuckles out. This is what I did on my 76 CJ5 , using a Dana 30 with disc brakes off an 84 CJ7 .

Go aftermarket and get all new parts.

All depends on how much money you want to spend.

 

[bh10]

I swapped axles, much easier. NT Dana 30 's are a dime a dozen. Like stated make sure gear ratio is the same. For me it didnt matter I was swapping gears and diffs in F&R axles anyway.

 

[Posi]

The full conversion kit goes for $500
You can buy all the parts included in the kit (except the hub and caliper brackets) new at AA for $160 using the discount code

2 rotors
2 Calipers and pads
2 Rubber hoses
2 each inner and outer wheel bearings
2 hub oil seals


If you have a bone yard nearby pull a hub and bracket off a CJ. Put a want ad on CL for a set. I have a hub/disc and bracket sitting in my shop I'm sure others do as well. If you don't have a press go to any garage or machine shops and have then press the studs out removing the old disc and stall the new one using the same studs.

I'm thinking you could save close to $250-$300, or if you have the extra money buy the kit.