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Best Disc Brake Conversion Kit For 73 Cj 5

Discussion in 'Intermediate CJ-5/6/7/8' started by Miami66, Aug 8, 2021.

  1. Aug 8, 2021
    Miami66

    Miami66 Member

    Gainesville, Fl
    Joined:
    Feb 19, 2020
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    65
    Time to stop risking my life! What conversion kit do I recommend to my mechanic? In previous posts there seem to be lots of supporters of Brennan’s Garage. Any feedback is appreciated. Thx

    Carlos
    Gainesville,Fl
     
  2. Aug 9, 2021
    sterlclan

    sterlclan Member 2022 Sponsor

    exploring the...
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    The Brennan brackets are easy and inexpensive.
     
    Iandavidh likes this.
  3. Aug 10, 2021
    colojeepguy

    colojeepguy Colorado Springs

    At the foot of...
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    Your Jeep should have 11x2" drum brakes, which are entirely adequate for stopping a CJ
    (unless they get wet!)
    If everything is working properly you should be able to stop just fine, without risk to your life...
     
    Iandavidh likes this.
  4. Aug 10, 2021
    Jw60

    Jw60 Cool school 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Sedalia MO.
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    Unless someone swipped the brakes for early small drums... keep the 11" rear drums with parking brakes. The fronts should be fine with 11" drums but with a d30 you could go to slightly newer disks on the front.

    What material shoes are you using? With manual brakes you want organic shoes and pads. The performance stuff is for power brakes and don't work with mortals.
     
  5. Aug 11, 2021
    bigjohn

    bigjohn Active Member

    Kelso Wa
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    Mar 18, 2010
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    1,076
    Ya properly functioning and adjusted 11” drums should you ya. That said if you’re running larger tires, discs aren’t an awful idea. My 75 on 35” tires stops better with 4 wheel manual discs that the stock 74 on 31”s.

    I used R&P disc kits on all 4 corners. I’ve toyed with trying Brennan’s on the rear of the 75 just for the electric parking brake option Once a few projects are cleared.
     
  6. Aug 11, 2021
    Lockman

    Lockman OK.....Now I Get It . 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Silver Hill,...
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    I posted some Media here , back when I did my conversion on my '75 . From Horsepower Sales outta Wisconsin. Best thing I ever did to mine. Night & Day difference.
     
    Last edited: Aug 11, 2021
    Criss likes this.
  7. Aug 11, 2021
    52M38-73CJ5

    52M38-73CJ5 Member

    Wenatchee WA
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    Nov 11, 2020
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    155
    Go front disc and stop straight. I have a scout D44 with disc up front using my D30 knuckles with drum in the rear. They will fit your D30 with some grinding.
     
  8. Aug 12, 2021
    supertrooper

    supertrooper Member

    moreno valley, ca
    Joined:
    Nov 12, 2007
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    749
    I have the chevy k10 front brakes and ford fusion rears with electric park brake. I am very happy with this set up.
     
  9. Aug 12, 2021
    TheBeav1955

    TheBeav1955 Member

    Wyoming, Mi
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    Apr 14, 2004
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    296
    I found the knuckles from a newer D30 that had disk brakes was an easy swap. I could never stop straight with the drums up front never knew which way it was going to pull.
     
  10. Aug 12, 2021
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    Yes, if you are going to have your mechanic do it, swapping the knuckles-out from a later disk brake axle could be the best route. Labor is expensive.

    Either that, or purchase one of the all-inclusive kits that uses the GM caliper brackets, calipers and disks. R&P used to have a nice kit, though I'm not sure if they are still a going concern. The HP Sales kit looks interesting - I would be sure to get a list of replacement part sources with the kit. You don't want to be locked in to buying service parts from the original seller.
     
    Criss likes this.
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