Topic: Brakes (suggestions?)

[jfrabat]

So then what I need to start with (my initial shopping list, let's call it!) would be:

• Rear Brake Shoes with Hardware (http://www.quadratec.com/products/56216_06.htm)
• Two pairs of Hawk Performance Ceramic Brake Pads (http://www.autoanything.com/brakes/61A2911A0A0A1801790.aspx)
• Brake Spring Pliers (http://www.sjdiscounttools.com/kd298.html)

Then, based on how the rotors and drums are, I could POSSIBLY need:

• Two Rear Brake Drums (http://www.quadratec.com/products/56206_08_07.htm)
• Brake Rotors (http://brakeperformance.com/site/brake_rotors.php?vehicle_type_id=1&vehicle_make_id=9292&vehicle_model_id=9464&vehicle_year_id=9477&vehicle_engine_id=9478&cPath=1_9292_9464_9477_9478_9479&ad=google) - If I am to change them, might as well go for something that's better, right?

And if after testing, I still dont have enough stopping power, then I should look into getting a new brake booster and/or new brake lines.

Other than that, I should be covered with what I have on the Jeep and my normal hand tools, right?

Felipe

PS: Thanks a lot for all the help, by the way!  I know I have thrown out a TON of questions, and I appreciate your patience with all the newbee stuff!

[Jeffy]

You might want to check this out too...

http://www.4x4wire.com/jeep/tech/brakes/xj_wjbrakes03/index.htm

[oldjeep]

For an easy brake upgrade, try the booster and MC from a 95 YJ. They used a dual diaphram booster that year.  I'd also consider replacing the soft lines right away.  My son had a front line blowout in his 90 Comanche last week due to the old rotting hoses.

[Jeffy]

For an easy brake upgrade, try the booster and MC from a 95 YJ. They used a dual diaphram booster that year.  I'd also consider replacing the soft lines right away.  My son had a front line blowout in his 90 Comanche last week due to the old rotting hoses.

You would need to go with a 1995.5.  it would be easier to just get one from a TJ.

[oldjeep]

If you want a really cheap one, try this:
http://www.4x4wire.com/jeep/tech/brakes/yjmc/

The 78 Marquis MC is what I have in my jeep.  Works great with the stock booster and costs $13

[Jeffy]

If you want a really cheap one, try this:
http://www.4x4wire.com/jeep/tech/brakes/yjmc/

The 78 Marquis MC is what I have in my jeep.  Works great with the stock booster and costs $13

I've heard people using an E350 Econoline master as well as a Firebird and Corvette.

[chrisfranklin]

I had a leak in one of the front brake lines a few years ago, plus I needed new pads.  So, that kind of started a cascade of brake work in my case. 

I started out with Hawk pads.  These ate through the stock rotors pretty fast which necessitated a rotor replacement after about a year.  Currently using EBC's slotted rotors (the black coating comes off where pads contact) and their "yellow" pads and this is a very solid combo.  Also went with stainless lines and synthetic fluid which really firms up the pedal feel. 

I could probably go up a size or two in tires and not feel a real loss in braking power.  However, I'd probably want to upgrade the master-cylinder. 

Most people forget tires when they think of brakes.  Good tires make a big difference in stopping distances. www.Tirerack.com has reviews on ATs and MTs

[jfrabat]

Right now I am considering putting in new Brembo slotted rotors, Hawk LTS pads, and the 5 layered lines (with stainless steel).  On the back, I will only replace the brake shoes and leave the stock drums for now (I am considering switching to a D44 from a Honda Passport, and these have rear disc brakes, so I dont want to spend too much money on my current rear axle!).

Rear Brake Shoes:
http://www.quadratec.com/products/56216_06.htm

Brake Lines
http://www.quadratec.com/products/12706_33X_PG.htm

Brake Pads
http://www.performancecenter.com/product.page/Brakes/Brake+Pads/0/0/0/HWKHB210Y.677/Jeep/1994/Wrangler

Rotors
http://www.performancecenter.com/product.page/Brakes/Brake+Rotors/0/0/0/BRE47041/JEEP/1994/Wrangler

I already have the brake tool and the brake lube.

Overall, I am spending a little less than $400 on brakes, but should have a setup that will handle my future needs (33" tires).

Felipe

[oldjeep]

Just as a warning, those drilled slotted rotors are real nice if you live where it never snows.   They can crack starting at the drill holes when the hot rotor meets a splash of slush.  Not to mention all the rust issues on the non contact areas of the rotors (the slots and holes).

My stock front brakes, explorer disk rears and a mercury Marquis MC are enough to bring 35's to a skidding halt.

[jfrabat]

The ones I am getting are not drilled, only slotted.  I rdid some research, and it seems that drilled+slotted is not a good combination (it weakens the rotors too much), and slotted are better than drilled (stronger, less cracking) while being just as efficient in releasing gases and dissipating heat (meaning they are more efficient at stopping).

Slotted rotors also suppossedly clean the braking system from dust and are better at getting water out of the system, meaning more braking efficiency when wet versus standard rotors.  I also decided to go with a well known brand (in this case, Brembo) to make sure the rotors will be top quality.

I AM building my rig based onthe assumption that it will be used in hot weather only, as I am currently living in Miami FL, and I will be taking it down to Panama, Central America.  So I doubt this rig will ever see any snow.

But thanks for the warning anyway!

Felipe

[admin]

If it sees mud, you won't like the slotted either.

[jfrabat]

If it sees mud, you won't like the slotted either.

Why is that?  Rust?  I thought that since the slotted rotors cleaned the pads, it would actually help...  Guess I am wrong!

[Jeffy]

If it sees mud, you won't like the slotted either.

Why is that?  Rust?  I thought that since the slotted rotors cleaned the pads, it would actually help...  Guess I am wrong!

The slots will trap mud, rocks, etc...

I still think a better upgrade would be to go with two pot calipers.  Or else go cheap and swap in a TJ M/C and booster.

[oldjeep]

The crap cakes up in the slots and then as it comes out you are dragging sand and crap over the rotor surface.

[jfrabat]

Well, for now I decided to stick with the rotors I got on the Jeep.  I ordered the Hawk LTS brake pads (suppossedly these have more stopping power than the regular ferro-carbon and the ceramics), and I am replacing the brake lines, and I ordered the rear brake shoes with hardware, so I guess I am spending less than I originally thought I would on the brake job.  I will test this set-up and see how it goes. 

The big question now is, should I have my rotors turned?  I have read some places that when you change pads you should also turn them, but mine seem to be in good order (I see no scrathing on them, and they have no vibrations when I press the pedal).  The thing is that I dont know how many times (if any) they have been turned before...

I was planning on changing them mainly because I thought that way I would know where the rotors are in terms of times they have been turned and such...  Not to mention I was going to upgrade while at it!

Felipe