also, something to note, explorer rotors seem to be in general about $10 more each... so if you can get WJs redrilled for around that...might be worth the simplicity to get them and not have to worry about weird caliper spacing issues.
Also, has anyone used your stock XJ steering linkage with these knuckles? (I kinda want to, mainly want them for the brake upgrade). That 4x4wire site talks about issues hitting hte stock track bar, I don't want to have to deal with relocating the mount or anything like that.
I think you hit the stock track bar when you get away from the stock drag link, but I may be wrong. I think one of the JCR guys ran stock steering on WJ knuckles with no problem, he may have mentioned it in this thread.
Will somebody tell me if I have the information right, here?
1.) Spacing the unit bearing outboard from the knuckle is always necessary, 1/4" spacers like JKS sells do it.
2.) Pre 1990 unit bearings will work with sport trac rotors without having to space out the caliper bracket or drill rotors. You may have to space the rotor with a washer on each stud.
3.) After 1990 (up to 01) unit bearings will work better with redrilled WJ rotors. If you use sport tracs with 90-01 bearings, you have to space out the caliper bracket a bit. Some people use washers, some people think that's a bogus fix - but it will "work".
4.) Akebono and Teeves calipers fit identical for our purposes though Akebonos warp rotors less commonly AND fit fewer 15" wheels, though many people clear them on stock steelies or 16" alloys just fine.
5.) Wj steering linkages are too wide. XJ stock stuff will run on a WJ knuckle just fine, though if you take advantage of the knuckle to knuckle tie rod and higher drag link you'll need to go OTA with your track bar as well.
6.) Ruffstuff covers are hard to clear, requiring WJ tie rods with the offset and even then it's iffy.
7.) The MC bore is the same between WJ and XJ stuff of all years. The late model XJs had a double diaphragm booster, the early ones didn't. WJ booster is a good swap for the old XJs but not the new ones. A 98 Durango master cylinder (1 1/8" bore) will help with a firm pedal feel in a WJ / ZJ equipped XJ.
Is this all good? If so... sticky it... I get dizzy with all the WJ swap threads and don't have the short-term memory or the paitence to keep it all straight!