drums/disk conversion

[polish85]

I have a 1977 CJ5
I have drum breaks all around and want to convert to disk breaks up front. whats the cheapest and best way to do so? I will be doing it all myself so the more info the better.
For a quick fix so i can drive the car until i do convert, how do i fix having air in my break cylinder? I have to pump the break pedal about 4 times before they finally start working and when they finally do it pulls hard left.

Thanks Mike

 

[LASTCJ786]

find a 77 and up front axle and grab the disc brake setup.

 

[priceg]

Sounds like you have a seized wheel cylinder on the right front. No need to bleed the brakes untill that repair is complete.

 

[IOPort51]

I would say you should start with new wheel cylinders, even if you are planning on replacing the front end. Don't cheap out on this, the cylinders are not that expensive. My Dad taught me that a car that stops is worth much more than a car that goes fast. Putting disks on this is going to be a pretty good project and the parts will not be growing on trees, Go ahead and put the effort into what you have and keep it safe. This will make it drivable until you get the disk project lined out.
Do you know how to bleed brakes??

I have a 1977 CJ5
I have drum breaks all around and want to convert to disk breaks up front. whats the cheapest and best way to do so? I will be doing it all myself so the more info the better.
For a quick fix so i can drive the car until i do convert, how do i fix having air in my break cylinder? I have to pump the break pedal about 4 times before they finally start working and when they finally do it pulls hard left.

Thanks Mike

 

[73CJ]

Dump the drums. You will wonder why it took so long to decide to do it.

 

[polish85]

I would say you should start with new wheel cylinders, even if you are planning on replacing the front end. Don't cheap out on this, the cylinders are not that expensive. My Dad taught me that a car that stops is worth much more than a car that goes fast. Putting disks on this is going to be a pretty good project and the parts will not be growing on trees, Go ahead and put the effort into what you have and keep it safe. This will make it drivable until you get the disk project lined out.
Do you know how to bleed brakes??

Thank i will def fix the drums before i start driving it but i got a big oil leak for now so the drum repair is on hold.

 

[polish85]

Thank i will def fix the drums before i start driving it but i got a big oil leak for now so the drum repair is on hold.

If anyone is planning to do a conversion from drums to disk def dont waste the 700 dollars the kit cost. Call all surrounding salvage yards and find a newer jeep with disk brakes and just swap them out. Everyone that suggested this thank you. Saved about 500 dollars!

 

[mylittlecj5]

Or just look on SearchTempest - The EASY way to search Craigslist and find a Dana 30 disc equipped front axle for $100 like I did...
I have spare gears, inner and outer axles as spares now also.