Topic: Junkyard Rear Disk Brakes?

[jfrabat]

For a while now I have been complaining about my brakes and their lack of power to stop the vehicle as good as I feel they should.  I've looked into different options, and I think the 2 that are the most attractive to me right now would be (1) a '95 dual diaphragm booster and master, and (2) doing a junkyard conversion to disk brakes from an XJ.  From what I have found out so far, the D35 onthe XJ is basically the same as the YJ, except for the disc brakes, so switching over is basically finding a donor vehicle, grabbing the brakes, and isntalling them.  I also figured if I ever do break the D35, with disk brakes at least the pads will keep the wheels where they should be and I can limp home (may have to replace a rotor later on, but that's better than being stiuck in the middle of nowhere).  So what are your opinions, comments, etc?  Please post!

[Castr8r]

Go for it!  I want to do the same thing sometime soon, so get with the program and do a write up for us!  It should be a fairly straightforward procedure from what I've read.  Good luck!

[Jeffy]

Xj's have disc brakes down there?  I know ZJ's have disc's that are 5 on 4.5" unlike the WJ's.  Personally, I'd do both.  Or else just bite the bullet and go with Hydroboots.

[sharpxmen]

Xj's have disc brakes down there?  I know ZJ's have disc's that are 5 on 4.5" unlike the WJ's.  Personally, I'd do both.  Or else just bite the bullet and go with Hydroboots.

i think i got mine of a ZJ with a rear D44 center and D35 outers - it's bolt-on but i think you need the regulator off the ZJ Ii got it just in case)

[Bounty Hunter]

If you're going to run rear discs, run a master cylinder and prop valve setup for 4whl disc.  I run a '78 Grand Marquis booster for 4whl disc and a ZJ prop valve for 4whl disc.

If you're going through the trouble of installing rear discs, why not convert to a ford 8.8 or Isuzu 44 that already has discs?  It's so easy to swap an axle into a YJ it's crazy not to.

[sharpxmen]

If you're going to run rear discs, run a master cylinder and prop valve setup for 4whl disc.  I run a '78 Grand Marquis booster for 4whl disc and a ZJ prop valve for 4whl disc.

If you're going through the trouble of installing rear discs, why not convert to a ford 8.8 or Isuzu 44 that already has discs?  It's so easy to swap an axle into a YJ it's crazy not to.

thanks Bounty, that's what i meant: prop valve (i said regulator - brain fart).

[Jeffy]

If you're going to run rear discs, run a master cylinder and prop valve setup for 4whl disc.  I run a '78 Grand Marquis booster for 4whl disc and a ZJ prop valve for 4whl disc.

If you're going through the trouble of installing rear discs, why not convert to a ford 8.8 or Isuzu 44 that already has discs?  It's so easy to swap an axle into a YJ it's crazy not to.

I'm going to guess that Ford Explorers aren't that prevalent down there.

[b.hog]

 I have thought about doing this quite a bit,and have done a lil research,but will probably upgrade to a 44 or 8.8 since I dont have the money into my 35 that you do.Your right about the gc 35, but it has to be a non-v8 model and the most important piece to the puzzle is the backing plate,I found the part # for it, but cant find it right now.
  I think if I was in your shoes,I would source the backing plate (will try to find #) and then buy new calipers etc.Then evrything is new and reliable,and way under price of a disk brake kit.I have also read mixed reviews about having to replace the prop valve.

[neale_rs]

In Central America, as in Mexico, you may be able to get asbestos shoes and pads.  When I had those in the rear drums I could lock up the tires on dry pavement.  Having much stronger brakes in the rear (with the asbestos pads) than in the front was dangerous so I changed to normal pads in the rear.  Now the brakes are not as stong but they are well balanced and safer overall. If I felt the need for better brakes I would go cheap and put asbestos pads front and rear to keep both axles balanced.   

I've often wondered if having disks in the rear (much stronger brakes in the rear) might not also lead to rear axle skidding.  Something to think about.  I guess you could always tone them down with low friction pads in the rear or an adjustable proportioning valve.  Overall I think upgrading the font brakes (WJ) would be better.

[Bounty Hunter]

Overall I think upgrading the font brakes (WJ) would be better.

At which point you stop bandaiding things and swap in a Waggy d44 with it's larger brakes, serviceable bearings, stronger housing, etc, etc.

[b.hog]

 I can not find that pn# ,must of been thrown out .I did a couple of searches and the only thing I was findin' was teraflex stuff  $$$$$ 230 smacks,just for the backing plate.I know I had it found and on paper (somewhere) for a tenth of that, and believe it or not IIRC from a dealership.

 Have you searched any junkyards down where your at?

[jfrabat]

If you're going to run rear discs, run a master cylinder and prop valve setup for 4whl disc.  I run a '78 Grand Marquis booster for 4whl disc and a ZJ prop valve for 4whl disc.

If you're going through the trouble of installing rear discs, why not convert to a ford 8.8 or Isuzu 44 that already has discs?  It's so easy to swap an axle into a YJ it's crazy not to.

I plan to change also the master and the proportioning valve...  Just forgot to mention it.  As for the axle swap, I already got lockers and alloys on this one.  So I rather wait until something breaks and then change both to D44's (then I would change to 5.13 gears, as well!) and invest in new lockers.  But for now, the piggybank is empty, and I cannot afford not to run lockers in the mud here, thus I am looking for a cheap solution for now.

[jfrabat]

I can not find that pn# ,must of been thrown out .I did a couple of searches and the only thing I was findin' was teraflex stuff  $$$$$ 230 smacks,just for the backing plate.I know I had it found and on paper (somewhere) for a tenth of that, and believe it or not IIRC from a dealership.

 Have you searched any junkyards down where your at?

A friend here already has XJ discs on his YJ, which is where I got the idea from.  I defenetly need to do SOMETHING about the brakes, though, as I need more stopping power.  I really wanted to go Hydro, but its WAAAAAYYY too $$$$!!!

[95yjman]

I'm running a stock master cylinder with disc brakes on my 44...it stops ok but I wish it was better...

[Jeffy]

Keep in mind that all brakes are biased so the fronts to 70-90% of the work.