Topic: Front Brakes and 5th gear

[sharpxmen]

I didn't drive the Jeep for the last month and a half or so, last week my other ride developed an issue with the transmission shifter (feels like the rod fell off or broke) so I had to take the Jeep out - I couldn't keep it in 5th gear, was losing speed on me every time i was shifting to 5th. Turns out that my front brakes were locking (put my hand on the rims and were hot). Funny thing is that it was only happening after about 5 min of driving, i tested that before after sitting overnight and the wheels were spinning freely after applying the brakes, driving it and braking was actually causing them to lock - ordered rotors, Raybestos reman calipers and Bendix TtaniuMetallic semi-metallic brake pads - about $150 shipped from Amazon, it's like i got another 20HP , feels like it's flying. Not to mention having some reasonable brakes now.

So if you feel like your Jeep does not have enough juice drive it with your left foot on the brakes for couple of days and once you're done you'll feel like driving a Corvette - or check to see if the front wheels are hot 

[neale_rs]

I have heard that the caliper pistons in YJs are some sort of composite material that does tend to get stuck and drag the brakes when the calipers get old. Mine where replaced some time back with metal pistons which tend to be more reliable.

 

[sharpxmen]

I have heard that the caliper pistons in YJs are some sort of composite material that does tend to get stuck and drag the brakes when the calipers get old. Mine where replaced some time back with metal pistons which tend to be more reliable.
 

i was actually reading about that last week, you're right the metal ones are more reliable - the reman ones I got are composite, the metal ones are something like $70/side (compared to $25) and since i have WJ brakes to go on my D30 replacement this is just a temporary fix.

[Jeffy]

You could have gained 25hp if you went with the Brembo replacement discs.   

[sharpxmen]

You could have gained 25hp if you went with the Brembo replacement discs.   

i wouldn't mind a set of 4 piston calipers

[jfrabat]

i wouldn't mind a set of 4 piston calipers

To be honest, I have been SERIOUSLY considering the Vanco Big Brake system for mine for a while now...  Only thing holding me back is the price tag!

[sharpxmen]

To be honest, I have been SERIOUSLY considering the Vanco Big Brake system for mine for a while now...  Only thing holding me back is the price tag!

Vanco uses the WJ Akebono brake calipers with an adapter for the caliper to the knuckle and Explorer SportTrac rotors. How much are they asking for it?

[neale_rs]

To be honest, I have been SERIOUSLY considering the Vanco Big Brake system for mine for a while now...  Only thing holding me back is the price tag!

Even after the hydroboost conversion?

[sharpxmen]

Even after the hydroboost conversion?

the stock rotor diameter is too small when running big tires, just not enough momentum arm to stop the larger diameter wheels - of course hydroboost helps a lot but there's a limit at which no matter how much more force you apply you just waste it on generating more heat.

[Jeffy]

i wouldn't mind a set of 4 piston calipers

I was referring to the OEM replacement parts Brembo makes. 

[sharpxmen]

Just looked at Vanco's website - they're not Akebono calipers, looks like the Teves ones that were recalled by Chrysler but i think they're different. The rotors are Explorer SportTrac. it's $750 which is quite pricey given the WJ conversion option which is basically the same diameter rotor and not having an adapter bracket on the knuckle, it is more involved as far as mods go as you'd need to fab the drag link and track bar most likely.

I was referring to the OEM replacement parts Brembo makes. 

sorry, didn't catch that - i thought you're talking about racing brakes, then yes probably 25HP added to the wheels on top of the 20HP i don't lose and 32mpg. I should have dynoed the Jeep with the old brakes and add a "chip" afterwards to show you all how much HP i gained

[aka-justin]

Don't forget to paint the calipers some awesome racing color - adds extra hp too ! 

[grumpygy]

Don't forget to paint the calipers some awesome racing color - adds extra hp too ! 

If that was a dirty gray that would look like a guy I used to work withs Pride and Joy.  He could not stay with my jeep on acceleration and my truck flat blew him away.

[jfrabat]

Even after the hydroboost conversion?

I would replace the hydroboost; I am not thrilled to loose power brakes when I stall the engine...  And yes, I know there is the nitrogen charge (or whatver it is), but you really need to step on the pedal to stop the Jeep from rolling back if you stall it.

[neale_rs]

I would replace the hydroboost; I am not thrilled to loose power brakes when I stall the engine...  And yes, I know there is the nitrogen charge (or whatver it is), but you really need to step on the pedal to stop the Jeep from rolling back if you stall it.

Thanks.  Sounds like it was with my ex '43 GPW with small drums at all wheels and no power assist.  That one was hard to start too, so I had to shift into reverse really fast to get it started again while rolling backward.  Fun old times!