Big front brakes. What's best, and where can I buy it?

[Amund2]

Hi. I am now ready to do a full 'extreme makeover' on my old '86 cherokee 2-door. Plans are, Hannemann fiberglass front fenders + rear sides, Teraflex long arms and Grand Up rear coil/3-link kit, overhauled axles (D30/35) with Auburn ECTED, new gears (probably 4,11), and 9 or 10x17 wheels with 33x12,5 or 13,5" tires.

I need some good big front brakes, they may fill 17" rims. I have checked the WJ brakes route, but if I understood everything correctly I need WJ knuckles as well, and I'm not too keen on that because the next step is air springs, I want to lower this thing to the bumpstops on the streets and the high steer will screw the steering geometry up. Unless I can mount the stock - or better, YJ tie rod to the lower holes on the right WJ knuckle and use the stock YJ drag link. If WJ brakes is your preference - are there any US web site or e-mail friendly pick'n'pulls I can use, that have fair prices on these parts? Situated in Norway, it's not possible to just pop by.

Second option, does anyone sell bolt-on kits for the XJ that will give me bigger discs and better calipers? 'Make your own bracketry' is not an option here due to strict rules about brakes and modifications, must be a complete bolt-on kit with all brackets and stuff.


Hope you can help me,
- Amund

 

[tealcherokee]

i can help....

but not until you get rid of the d35

 

[87manche]

what are these rules? Do you have to have stock axles?
I'd go deeper than 4.10's with 33's.
I'd ditch the 35 and go with a 44 or an 8.8, both of which you could bolt disc brakes too.
If you're intent on keeping the 35, go and find a grand cherokee with a d35 and steal the disc brakes from it.

 

[casm]

what are these rules? Do you have to have stock axles?

My guess is that his parts supply is limited since he's in Norway.

 

[XJCreeper]

From what I understand the WJ option requires a bit of fabrication and may not be legal for you. Here is a couple articles for the 4x4wire that I visit occasionally.
http://www.4x4wire.com/jeep/tech/brakes/
http://www.4x4wire.com/jeep/tech/brakes/xj_wjbrakes03/

On my wifes WJ see kept going through rotors like they were candy. I was able to fix this and improve the braking by getting some Raybestos SuperStop rotors and pads. They stop on a dime! These are the same rotors and pads that the police departments use. This might be an easy option for you to try. I haven't looked into this yet for my XJ because I replaced them before I found out about the Superstop once. Check it out.
http://www.raybestos.com/usa/rotors.htm

 

[Amund2]

Thanks for the tips. And for the D35 stuff, I'm not a n00b. I've been bashing my (non-C-clip) 35 for three years, with locker and 31", never had a problem, except at 300.000 kms it now needs an overhaul. If a shaft should fail one day, I'll slip in a couple of Superior's or similar. I considered a Teraflex CRD-50, but I decided to go a little cheaper route, and since the XJ will be mostly roadgoing I wanted to keep the unsprung weight down. Couple more reasons, I already have a Teraflex disc brake kit for my non-C-clip D35, and also the Grand Up rear kit is made to fit the 35. Can't find no D44s for xj/mjs here, I could do the Ford but I can't get the diff I want for it (Auburn ECTED).

On gearing I haven't decided yet. I like 4,10's on 31s, and planning on street tires in 31 on 17" bling rims for daily driving, I'm afraid 4,56 will be to low on the HW on 31s, maybe too low for 33s too?


The fabrications needed for WJ-brakes looks a little tough, I don't have access or knowledge for using a lathe, those spacers look tricky. Looking for something that will bolt on, with bigger discs. There are no exact rules for these things, but I'd like bigger discs as a concrete argument to accept the larger tires.


So Tealcherokee, what's the secret? Spill the beans.

 

[XJoshua]

Check out this gear ratio calculator
http://www.grimmjeeper.com/gears.html

This is how I desided Ill be fine with 4.11:1s in the front and back with my stock 28" tires until I can lift and go bigger tires. Fuel economy might not be to good since Ill be revving at 3300ish in O/D but atleast Ill be able to go 75MPH still on the hwy.

 

[Oatmeal]

Here you go: http://www.go.jeep-xj.info/HowtoFordBAdiscs1.htm --------Hans

 

[XJCreeper]

Very nice kit. Bookmarked! Thansk for sharing this.:spin1:

 

[NXJ]

Toss that 35, you homo.



Seriously, I seem to remember a recent pictorial run-down explaining what happens when you combine too much throttle and a Turdy Five? I think we both need to hunt down a couple of XJ 44’s, I mean, it can’t be that hard?

What will those fiberglass units run you? And since you’re upgrading, can I have your old fenders? Mine are wrinkled beyond recognition.

 

[XJCreeper]

I'm sure the guys at J&W Jeep Wreckers can hook you up since D44's are hard to come by in you neck of the woods.
http://www.jwjeep.com/
They got me a front and rear axle at short notice and had them shipped to my house so I could make my Rubicon trip. Good thing because I needed that rear spare they sent me. Give them a call. I'm sure they be happy to quote both of you and send it out if you want.

 

[RichP]

Brembo dual cylinder calipers maybe ?

 

[Amund2]

Here you go: http://www.go.jeep-xj.info/HowtoFordBAdiscs1.htm --------Hans

THANKS!!! That is exactly what I was hoping for... a bit ignorant of me, I
ve seen go-jeep's thread, but none of the links there were working, and I thought this was something he had made up himself... but now that I see they are selling the kit complete.... :smootch:

325mm discs filling 17s.... :listenmus :worship: I know what my christmas present this year is!