My jeep sucks.

[thechief86]

ok guys, I picked up my hp/aussied dana 30, some spare shafts/driveshafts, and my other welded dana 35 that has zj discs on it. I also picked up the sheet metal to start patching my floor pans, and got some prices for the rectangular tubing i want to use for rocker replacement. That stuff ain't cheap! It actually wouldn't be too much more to just buy some rock sliders, but since my rockers are gone, they wouldn't have anything to bolt to or protect, lol.
Anyway, What size hole saw do i need to put the zj brakes on the 8.25"?
I got new brake pads to go on when I swap the axles in, and some SS braided brake lines.
the axle swaps, steering upgrades, and extra lift are the next things on the list, and will likely take place all in the same weekend. i'm gonna do all this stuff before I do anymore rust repair, just because I'm dreading doing that, and the stuff that goes along with it, such as pulling out all the carpet and seats, and prepping everything for welding and paint once it's all cut out...

 

[kastein]

No hole saw to put the zj discs on the 8.25 - all you need is a die grinder and about 5 minutes with a carbide burr. You could probably do it with a half round file and a vise but it'd suck and take a while.

I actually sawzalled one axle tube end off the last 8.25 I scrapped so that I can weld it to a flange, bolt it to my workbench, and use it to testfit ZJ disc backing plates to grind em out just the right amount.

 

[thechief86]

Lol, I thought is was a lot bigger difference than that. Sounds like an easy enough thing to do to at least justify doing it, lol. Especially since I gotta take it apart to weld the 8.25 anyway...

 

[kastein]

One thing to be aware of though is that you do need the mounting studs off the donor axle to do a safe install, using the drum brake studs may work but won't be quite as safe as they aren't as long. I can find you the chrysler part number for them if you don't feel like swimming in gear lube in the you-pull to get 8 studs and didn't get them with the backing plates originally.

 

[thechief86]

Yeah, I got them off the donor when I put them on the Dana 35 that was under my old jeep, which the brakes are currently still on. I just brought the whole axle home.

 

[kastein]

Excellent. Just figured I should mention that... nothing like a backing plate coming off at speed to make your day interesting in a hurry.

 

[MELKORsXJ]

If you have other means of transportation, I would keep your jeep. You will enjoy it more knowing you did the work yourself. And building it is half the fun!

 

[thechief86]

Kastein: no chit! The wheel would probably stay on, but it would make a heck of a noise, and mess up the brake lines real good..

If you have other means of transportation, I would keep your jeep. You will enjoy it more knowing you did the work yourself. And building it is half the fun!

Thanks Dan! You've seen it in person, and still think it's worth fixing. That makes me feel better, lol. Could you text me some pictures of your rockers? Mainly the weld points and how you tied them into the body. 731-fourtwenty-thirteen47
Once I get those, stiffys, and bumpers squared away, I'll need to come up with plans for an exo/hybrid cage that ties into them. That, of course may be a while down the road...