Front disc brake conversion

[quinletc]

I have a 76 CJ5 with a Dana 30 front axle. I have all drum, manual brakes. The tires are 31" and I believe the rims are 15" (though they might be 16").

This is an around-town, top-down, fun jeep. No posi-traction, so no off-road wheeling as long as I own it.

We want to put disc brakes on the front, because the front pulls when you brake and we'd just feel better with upgraded stopping equipment.

A few questions:

1. Is there a particular kit manufacturer that people like and is a reasonable price? Remember, we want good, but bulletproof Rubicon Trail brakes are not the goal here.

2. What are the ramifications of staying with manual brakes after the conversion to front disc?

3. Any other tips, tricks, pitfalls to be aware of?

Thanks!

Thomas

 

[Torxhead]

This guy could help you with a kit:Brakes. You could also piece your own kit together from a salvage yard. I would recommend the power brakes since you don't know what the guy in front of you is thinking when on the street.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

About going to power brakes.
BTW: For mild off-road, you'll do fine without a LSD. Just air down the tires and disco the sway bar.
LG

 

[HackFabrication]

1. Is there a particular kit manufacturer that people like and is a reasonable price? Remember, we want good, but bulletproof Rubicon Trail brakes are not the goal here.

You can just swap everything from the knuckles out from a later model CJ5 /7/8 with the Dana 30 front end. I used everything off an 84 CJ7 front Dana 30 when I converted my 76 CJ5 from drums to discs. If you can find a 76-78 front end it is an even easier conversion, as the calipers use a separate bracket that bolts onto knuckle.

There are also 'kits' available from Stainless Steel Brake Corp: Vehicle Specific Products

2. What are the ramifications of staying with manual brakes after the conversion to front disc?

None really. Unless you move up in tire size, you should be fine. But power brakes are nice. I went hydroboost on my CJ5 . Front discs, rear 11" drums, it has no problems hauling down 32" tires at any speed.

3. Any other tips, tricks, pitfalls to be aware of?

Pretty simple swap. You'll probably twist off a few fittings on the brake lines, being they are 40+ years old....

 

[Lumpy Grits]

You will want power brakes because of the higher brake line PSI that is needed for disc brakes. Without it-You'll be pushing the pedal much harder to stop.

LG