Topic: Better Brakes

[Jeffy]

Ok, so I'm getting around to doing more inexpensive mods to the Jeep.  Current setup is stock YJ D30 up front and XJ D44 10" drums in the back.  The pedal is spongy when you push the petal all the way down.  I'd like firmer brakes and a bit more bite.  I think I've got a lead on a dual-diaphragm booster that should increase the pressure a bit.  I'm still on the fence about what master I should use.  I've heard the Dodge Ram 3500 is popular with TJ'ers.  One major consideration is hood clearance.  I've read that that master on a TJ booster in a YJ will have hood clearance issues.  Although, I have read and found that 1990-1997 2500 Ram Van masters are lower profile.  I think there should be enough room for a E350 booster as well since it doesn't look nearly as tall as the RAM 3500 master.

I'm going to be doing this on the cheap since I don't like to do high-end projects as they are usually out of the reach of regular guy's, I being one of them.   

[sharpxmen]

Ok, so I'm getting around to doing more inexpensive mods to the Jeep.  Current setup is stock YJ D30 up front and XJ D44 10" drums in the back.  The pedal is spongy when you push the petal all the way down.  I'd like firmer brakes and a bit more bite.  I think I've got a lead on a dual-diaphragm booster that should increase the pressure a bit.  I'm still on the fence about what master I should use.  I've heard the Dodge Ram 3500 is popular with TJ'ers.  One major consideration is hood clearance.  I've read that that master on a TJ booster in a YJ will have hood clearance issues.  Although, I have read and found that 1990-1997 2500 Ram Van masters are lower profile.  I think there should be enough room for a E350 booster as well since it doesn't look nearly as tall as the RAM 3500 master.

I'm going to be doing this on the cheap since I don't like to do high-end projects as they are usually out of the reach of regular guy's, I being one of them.   

from what i read the wj front disks and calipers would give you the best bite (+ the mods you already listed which is dual diaphragm and upgraded master). I didn't explore the extend of the mods, seems to be fairly complicated but all the reviews say that would knock your socks off once you have them in - i might look to see if i can find some cheap ones at the wreckers and try to fab some adapters for the calipers (although i remember reading somewhere that the stock disks are not suitable for redrilling to 5x4.5 so it might be that some aftermarket ones are needed)

[Jeffy]

I don't want to put any more money into the D30 as I do not expect to have it over the long term.  The WJ swap is pretty extensive though, a friend of mine runs that setup.

[FourbangerYJ]

I was pretty happy with the Performance Friction pads on the front. But since mine is a 95.5 I have the dual diafram booster.
If you think the Dodge 3500 stuff will fit sounds like a good upgrade. If it will stop a 1 ton PU then it aught to do a good job on a YJ.

[Jesse-James]

But since mine is a 95.5 I have the dual diafram booster.

How do you tell the difference?

[Jeffy]

How do you tell the difference?

Dual-diaphragm boosters are HUGE.  Also, the master will be a TJ/Dakata style with a plastic reservoir.

[Jeffy]

I was pretty happy with the Performance Friction pads on the front. But since mine is a 95.5 I have the dual diafram booster.
If you think the Dodge 3500 stuff will fit sounds like a good upgrade. If it will stop a 1 ton PU then it aught to do a good job on a YJ.

The only problem that I've heard is that the master will have clearance issues with the hood.  I'm not 100% sure on it though.  The Van has a much shorter reservoir then the truck which I think should work.

[FourbangerYJ]

Dual-diaphragm boosters are HUGE.  Also, the master will be a TJ/Dakata style with a plastic reservoir.

Maybe mine is not a dual booster then. I was looking at Oldjeeps build thread and his old one looks the same as mine.(page 1) He swapped to a 78 Marquis MC. ( page 5)

http://4bangerjp.com/forums/index.php/topic,2614.0.html

[sharpxmen]

Maybe mine is not a dual booster then. I was looking at Oldjeeps build thread and his old one looks the same as mine.(page 1) He swapped to a 78 Marquis MC. ( page 5)

http://4bangerjp.com/forums/index.php/topic,2614.0.html

oldjeep's doesn't look like a dual, looks exactly like mine. i also have one off a late 95 TJ (or 96) in the garage and it's about twice the thickness of the one i have on now and i was told is the one with dual diaphragm - it came with the master with plastic reservoir on it, i was not aware there are clearance issues so i guess i'll have to figure something out when i'll make time to install it.

[Jeffy]

Maybe mine is not a dual booster then. I was looking at Oldjeeps build thread and his old one looks the same as mine.(page 1) He swapped to a 78 Marquis MC. ( page 5)

http://4bangerjp.com/forums/index.php/topic,2614.0.html

[Jeffy]

oldjeep's doesn't look like a dual, looks exactly like mine. i also have one off a late 95 TJ (or 96) in the garage and it's about twice the thickness of the one i have on now and i was told is the one with dual diaphragm - it came with the master with plastic reservoir on it, i was not aware there are clearance issues so i guess i'll have to figure something out when i'll make time to install it.

If you use the stock master you'll be OK.  It's when you use the larger Ram 3500 master that you run into trouble.

[FourbangerYJ]

Great PIC! Mine is the bottom one.  I still had good luck with the PF pads. 

[Jeffy]

Ok, I think I found a problem I'll have with the TJ booster.  The YJ has that big spacer to keep it away from the clutch.  The TJ does not have that and is bolted to the firewall.  If I used a TJ booster, I'll have to cut and weld an extension to the booster.  Problem is I don't have a welder and I'm not sure if it would be worth it compared to buying a 1995.5 booster.  ARGH!

BTW: from what I've read the TJ/Dakota master is 1" while the YJ is 15/16".

[FourbangerYJ]

What is the advantage running the Grand Marquis MC? I have seen a few people mention they have switched to them.
I have also heard of people running a MC from a Corvette, not sure what year.

[Jeffy]

What is the advantage running the Grand Marquis MC? I have seen a few people mention they have switched to them.
I have also heard of people running a MC from a Corvette, not sure what year.

More volume so if you have larger brakes, they will move the pistons.  From what I've read the Corvette is good for CJ's, while either the Grand marquis or the E350 is good for YJ's and the 3500 is best for TJ's although, you can use the 3500 on a YJ as well.