Another XJ rear disc kit question

[saburai]

Hi Gang!

Rear brake kit confusion time!

Crown makes these kits:
http://www.crownsupport.net/downloads/Brake_Conversion_FlyerLR.pdf

Rusty's sells them:
http://rustysoffroad.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=rustys&Category_Code=STOP

I phoned both.
The person I spoke to at Crown says that the kit with E-break cables will only work on the D-35.

Rusty says that the E-break cable works on all apps.

The lady at crown I suspect, does not do a lot of wrenching:sombrero:

Rusty's rep is far from perfect:Wow1:

Crown says that the parts used are ZJ stuff.

Can any one shed some light on the E-brake cable mystery?

BTW - I *might* have a line on a killer deal for the crown kit once I get this figured out. PM me if you are interested.

 

[GTABurnout]

I would be intrested if I can keep my e brake I have a 8.25

 

[XJINTX]

I'm interested too... 87 D35....

Please keep me posted :smiley_drive:

 

[Root Moose]

http://www.madxj.com/MADXJ/technical/TECHNICAL.htm

IIRC the cables will work since they will be ZJ cables and they are mated to ZJ calipers. Also, all the XJ Jeeps have the same e-brake distribution box (or whatever it is called). If not, worst case sell those cables and buy the correct ones.

FWIW, I have a set of ZJ cables hanging off my D44 that is ready to get swung under the back of the XJ. I can snap an image or two if you would like to confirm what the ends are like.

 

[Root Moose]

Looking at the Crown flyer again... Not sure why they specifically say the cables don't work for the C-clip Dana 35 and 8.25.

A buddy of mine is in the middle of this swap using the ZJ brake parts (mine is set up with Suzuki stuff so don't rely on me), I will ask him if he knows what the deal is.

 

[Backwoods Rambler]

I understand that drums hold water, dirt, mud and all that junk, so discs are better for that reason always. But are rear discs really necessary with 31" tires? I have 33" tires and my XJ brakes fantastically; even with slightly warped front rotors.

Just asking......expecially at around $400..YIKES

 

[Root Moose]

I guess it is expectation levels. I think that the stock brakes on a stock XJ suck...

YMMV

 

[Root Moose]

My buddy is at a loss as well.

I say buy the kit for your specific axle and go from there. The cable ends are all the same, worst case you have to do some NAPA/JY scrounging to find the correct length cable.

 

[XJBANKER]

Cherokee e brake cable end is different from the Grand Cherokee. I have ZJ disks on mine it is one of the best swaps that I have done. For the E-brake it has to have a loop on the end. Just make a loop and secure it with a minature u bolt. It is a pain and not friendly on your fingers, but worth the work.

 

[saburai]

I guess it is expectation levels. I think that the stock brakes on a stock XJ suck...

YMMV

I to find the brakes wanting...

 

[saburai]

From MADXJ:
"One last mod - I had to weld the XJ drum brake parking brake lever cable fitting end onto the new lever (the ZJ has different cable ends). You could just get ZJ cables, but I'm using the long YJ cables."

If I'm reading this right, it seem that I could just swap the ZJ cables in to the XJ and be good to go?

 

[expoxj]

I've done new rotors and pads up front(nice ones too). New brakes in the rear and after a very good bleed there is still way too much pedal travel for my liking. I might consider this if it were at a better price. I've got some rusty's stuff and I'm pretty happy with it. Nothing big just a few skidplates and brake lines.

 

[Backwoods Rambler]

Well considering that this can be done using all stock ZJ parts, utilizing salvage yards, parts stores or stealerships, I'm sure the price can be made much more reasonable with a little elbow grease.

 

[Root Moose]

If I'm reading this right, it seem that I could just swap the ZJ cables in to the XJ and be good to go?

That's what I'm doing (albeit with a Wilwood racing cart caliper instead of ZJ calipers).

$400 for both sides in new parts is not that expensive. Add up the individual parts. Can you do it cheaper with junk yard parts? For certain. Those parts will be "good enough" though, not new.

 

[IH8RDS]

hmm.I thought I posted in this.. I must not of hit submit

This is the route I took:

http://home.swbell.net/rriojas3/reardisk.html

I was able to pick up EVERYTHING at the local pick-n-pull including the proportioning valve, for around $50. They even had fairly new disk and emergency brake shoes. The only modification I had to do was make the opening a little as shown in the link.

If you need help sourcing the parts, please PM me.