parking brake

Hi,
My 68 CJ5 seems to have a very weak parking brake. The rear cables were frozen with rust so I took them apart and re-cabled them. Now everything moves but when I pull the handle it doesnt seem to have enough pressure to stop it. I've tried adjusting the cables in and out. Were these hand brakes notoriously weak because they have almost no leverage? Any ideas?

Josh

 

Josh: You're asking about cable(s). A 68 CJ Factory would only have one cable. It would go from the hand brake lever (under left side of dash) to the transmission crossmember, which in turn connects to the drum brake on the output of the transfercase. This brake works to a degree even when it has oil on it. (Leaky rear output seal). Good Luck!! Glenn

 

I've seen jeeps that converted to 11" brakes use the E-brakes on the 2 rear wheels using the hand brake and it doesn't give enough leverage to set them. Maybe that's what's been done to yours.

JB

 

My Jeep has the V6 with a TH400 auto trans and a D-20 transfer case. There is no "drum" style parking brake mounted on the trans or transfer case. The cable goes from the lower left dash (Handle) as a single cable to an equalizer just under the (driver) gas tank. From the equalizer it splits to two lines- one to each wheel.


Josh

 

xx

You in a Commando by chance?

 

Yes it is a CJ5. The brakes are 10 inch drum all the way around with a single piston master cylinder. Any thoughts on why the p brake is so weak?

 

Are the rear brakes adjusted right?

 

I'm with JB on this. Sounds to me like you have the Bendix-style emergency brakes (cable to a lever inside both the rear drums) connected to the original "umbrella handle." You can't apply enough force to the cables by just pulling on them with the umbrella handle. You could convert to the emergency brake pedal (like in later Jeeps) or maybe a floor mounted lever like you see in most foreign cars. This would give you enough leverage to set the brakes.

 

Josh: The 1968 CJ5 would not have had (1) T-400 (2) Single master cylinder (3) Brake cables to the rear wheels. Now, let's deal with question at hand. You need more leverage at your brake handle. When I eliminated my trans brake, I made cables that went from the backing plates to the left frame rail. Then set it up with an equalizer (pulls two cables with one) However, I also eliminated that factory handle and went with one that pulls over center. (Came from a DJ5) (some early Dodge trucks had the same lever.....adjustable from inside on the handle) I mounted my handle straight to the firewall. It basically boils down to....you're going to have to fab your own leverage factor. Good Luck!! Glenn
PS. When the 11" brake kits were first being sold. They had a cable kit which went to the rear brakes. It consisted of a long lever that still pivoted from the crossmember. The rear cables connected to one side of the lever and the front cable connected to the other side with the fulcrum point between for leverage. Again, Good Luck!!

 

Thanks for the advice guys.
Yes my title says 1968 CJ5, but I'm afraid there have been many hands in it. There is a lever inside the drum brakes that pushes the shoes outward. I will try to adjust to the max. I'm pretty sure the leverage is the problem though. I dont know about you guys but I think the push down with your foot method seems to give the most power to the PB.

Josh
PS: Its a 59,60,61,62,63,64,65,66 Kaiser; Its a 67,68,69,70,71Buick; Its a 71,72,73,74,75,76,77,78..... AMC
Or something like that!

 

Jeepngem,

I do remember that set up. It was still marginal at best. It still didn't provide enough leverage unless you put your feet on the dash.......I always liked the t-case mounted brake and always kept them.

JB

 

Here is a photo of unique method of replacing the spring tension with a black rubber bungee cord. Great Idea that I am going to use on my 68 cj5.

 

I am using a foot lever off a 76' Blazer. The hand "T" handle would not allow enough leverage to hold the vehicle. It is a disc conversion on the back of the t-case.

 

You wouldn't by chance have any pictures of that conversion, would you.:?
That would be something to write-up in the technical notes on this site for those of us that would like to do it, too.R):hurrican:

 

I do have some pictures here somewhere. I need to kick my wife off the home computer to get them. If you think it is worth writing up I have all of the parts listed and can get pics of the brackets I made for it, cable routing etc....Someone around here had some great shots when I was doing mine in another thread that really helped.

 

Heck, I sure do. Can't speak for anyone else here, though.

 

2nd on the disc emergency brake conversion write up

 

I'll try to get to it after work and kids football games tonight.