Topic: Power brakes

[Quite Happy]

OK, I got the power steering put in, and the only complaint is that I can't steer quite as tight as I'd like.  Currently looking for a longer pitman arm so I can resolve that situation, but having power steering when you didn't, while riding on 31's, is sweeter than honey.  It's nice to steer with one finger.  My next step is a power brake conversion.  I found an 84 Cherokee that I was able to take the vacuum boost from, and planned on putting it on this weekend.  The problem is, I looked last night and it seems the clutch master cylinder will be in the way, preventing me from bolting the pb system to the firewall.  I did a search for power brake conversion on here, but nothing came up that I can use.  Does anybody out there have experience with converting a non-pb CJ to a pb CJ?  I'm loving this project.

[chardrc]

haven't converted a cj7 to power breaks. but i would suggest taking a look at a manual yj with power breaks and you should be able to copy that. the pedal assembles are basically the same from what i could tell looking at a 70s cj7.

[Jeffy]

To fix your PS issue you could either go with a longer arm or a faster box.  The problem with a longer arm is that it's going to move the drag-link further back and could cause clearance issues.  Perhaps a Dakota or even a XJ/YJ bos would be faster.  Also, is your steering wheel stock or an aftermarket one?  That will also make a difference.  Smaller wheel, less leverage.

There aren't too many conversions for CJ's here since there just aren't that many people with them.

You can do a YJ/XJ booster/master conversion but there might be some caveats.

http://desertcj7.com/yj_brake_booster_upgrade.htm
http://www.terrainstompers.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2992

 I believe you have to also use a YJ/XJ booster bracket and not the CJ.

Or you can go with aftermarket conversions that just drop in.

http://www.btbprod.com/index.cfm?Action=Products/Details2&productID=3600&subCategoryID=330

Or just go with hydroboost and leave everything else in the dust.  Although with 31's it's a bit overkill.

http://www.vancopbs.com/

[sharpxmen]

is it the ratio that bothers or the travel - if it's the latter (as in not tight enough turning radius) look at the stops see if it hits or not, if it doesn't then the longer pitman arm is a good guess but like Jeffy said you might run into clearance issues.

[Quite Happy]

is it the ratio that bothers or the travel - if it's the latter (as in not tight enough turning radius) look at the stops see if it hits or not, if it doesn't then the longer pitman arm is a good guess but like Jeffy said you might run into clearance issues.

It's not hitting the stops, I checked that.  The box only goes so far each direction, and maxed out each direction doesn't give me the turning radius I would like.  A longer pitman arm, even 1-2 inches, would fit and would thus give me a longer throw each direction.  It would also make the steering more sensitive, so I know that will be an issue on the freeway, but I'm willing to deal with it.  I just want to turn sharper than I do now.  I'll find a solution.  The box is from an 87 Cherokee (I don't know if that's an XJ or what).

[sharpxmen]

It's not hitting the stops, I checked that.  The box only goes so far each direction, and maxed out each direction doesn't give me the turning radius I would like.  A longer pitman arm, even 1-2 inches, would fit and would thus give me a longer throw each direction.  It would also make the steering more sensitive, so I know that will be an issue on the freeway, but I'm willing to deal with it.  I just want to turn sharper than I do now.  I'll find a solution.  The box is from an 87 Cherokee (I don't know if that's an XJ or what).

i think XJ and YJ have the same pitman arm length except that the XJ is dropped (pple are using it with lift kits)

ZJ from what i know it's shorter, have no idea of what else it's out there that would work for what you need. You might have to learn to live with it.