Kh Wheels And Disc Brakes

I've searched and didn't really find an answer. I have a '71 CJ5 with the 15x8 Kelsey Hayes steel wheels. While we are replacing the body and doing several other upgrades, I wam wanting to convert to front disc brakes. I have the Dana 27 with 11" drums currently. I also have a later model narrow disc brake Dana 30 from a CJ5 sitting in the shop that would need to be completely gone through and regeared (4.88). Which is my best bet for being able to still run my factory wheels? Keep in mind that once the CJ is put back together it will be more of a daily driver and weeknd run around the hills rig, not a trail rig. The 27 did hold up to my high school years of shennanigans where it probably should have broken. I'm way past those days now, lol. Any help would be appreciated.

 

Depending on what conversion you are doing, the 8" rims should be fine. They fit fine on mine...the 10" not so much. I believe they are 3-1/2" backspace.

 

If you already have a NT30, just fit one of your KH rims on to see what the clearances are.
-Donny

 

My 8" KH just barely go over 11" drums, even had to do a touch of grinding. I kind of doubt they are going to clear any caliper without a spacer.

 

Jeepboy stated he already has a narrow track D30 with (presumably) factory disc brakes. The were two versions of factory disc D30’s, one with a thin (1” ?) rotor, or thick (1-1/4” ?) rotor. At least one, maybe both, factory disc setups will accept the 8”KH wheels.
-Donny

 

i'm out of town now, but will be able to finally dig out the 30 this weekend and test fit.

 

I'll find out this weekend if they'll clear. I dont mind doing a little clearancing to the caliper if needed.

 

Hmm..and yet 11" brake conversion kits have been around since the 60's.
I don't recall folks having to go out and buy new wheels to make the brake kits work.

 

Well, like I said, they barely fit, but they're on there.

 

Finned drums? The 10" rims contacted the bolt on the caliper. Ground the bolt head slightly. I forget the bolt is called. Still need to replace them.
Then I tried the KH and no problem. They were black, so that might have something to do with it. These were jeep brakes. Switched to 17" and
didn't look back.

 

Well. The wheels 100% will not work with disc brake Dana 30 unless I run a 1” spacer. Spacers it is!

 

I have a pair of "Spidertrax" 1" spacers that have not been used. I will sell them for $20 less than the best new price you can find. PM me if you are interested.

 

I'll keep that in mind. I actually found a conversion for the 27 that may work with the KH wheels. I'll know more early in the week.