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Brake upgrade on a 3a?

Discussion in 'Flat Fender Tech' started by wendell, Oct 26, 2008.

  1. Oct 26, 2008
    wendell

    wendell Member

    ohio
    Joined:
    Oct 23, 2008
    Messages:
    54
    You guy's mentioned going uo to 11" drunbs I believe it was. Where do I get these bigger brakes? Would it be from a later cj or where. I'm going to run the original size tires and wheels with rough treads, but I will more than likely end up with a pinto engine or the amc 150. So brake advise would be helpfull, 'THANKS"!!
     
  2. Oct 26, 2008
    Bill F

    Bill F Finally running

    Hillsboro NH
    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2002
    Messages:
    588
    You can also put disc on it. I know a guy on ebay sells a nice looking kit. I also made my own useing parts from 2 1978 cj5's. Had to grind the front knuckle a little and change the master clyinder but it work fairly well.
     
  3. Oct 26, 2008
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    Aug 10, 2003
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    23,596
    AFAIK the brake conversion for a flat fender is exactly the same as for a CJ-5, with the same parts, same procedure and same donor vehicles. If you search the ECJ5 forum you'll find lots of threads. There are also articles in the tech library.

    Hard to beat the price for complete 11" brakes from Herm or R&P: http://pwpinc2.qwestoffice.net/prod_brakes.htm
     
    Last edited: Oct 26, 2008
  4. Oct 26, 2008
    johnsotd

    johnsotd Member

    Senatobia, MS
    Joined:
    Apr 23, 2006
    Messages:
    454
    Seems as though brake upgrades continue to be the question of the day and I also have one.
    I'm trying to upgrade to disc front brakes with 11" cam adjusted back brakes. I am using ALL Jeep parts from a '78 CJ5 and putting them on a 2A D25. I'm using a Herm dual master cylinder setupwith floor pedals.
    Most articles deal with Chevy parts except for Jeep hubs and rotors. All posts show calipers at the 3 oclock position but it appears that mine will have to be at the 2 oclock or 4 oclock position. I would appreciate comments on the setup in the photos.
    The calipers clear the wheel but barely. How much is enough?
    thanks,
    Tommy

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
  5. Oct 26, 2008
    jeeper50

    jeeper50 jeeps 'till I die

    Spanish Fort. AL
    Joined:
    Dec 20, 2007
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    844
    If you want 11 drum brakes hit your local wrecking yards for any full size cherokee or waggoneer up to about '84 model year. Also any CJ5 jeep from '72 -75 used them and they all bolt right up. Watch out for the Corp 20 rear axle brakes they don't have the neccessary six hole mount flange. I think early bronco work also. I got mine from a '74 CJ5, the original MC will work just fine if it is in good working order if not but a new one. Front flex lines have to be swapped too.

    I've had them for 5 years and if you drive it on the road it sure is nice having the piece of mind to be able to panic stop with out wondering that you are going to own part of that Lexus in front of you.monkeys
     
  6. Oct 26, 2008
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    Brakes from the 6-lug wagons from '74 on will not work. An earlier 5-lug Wagoneer would be a good donor. Fronts from a '76-77-78 CJ with 4-wheel drums will also work, but don't take the rear ones from the AMC 20 axle, as indicated above.
     
  7. Oct 26, 2008
    Andy4802

    Andy4802 Canadian Jeep junkie

    Hudson, Qc, Canada
    Joined:
    Jul 30, 2006
    Messages:
    410
    i used two sets of fronts from 76-78 CJ's ... just installed smaller cylinders in the ones i used in the rear. It's a wicked upgrade... my flattie stops better than my TJ does. R)
    i bought both sets from members here IIRC... if you are patient you should be able to come up with the parts you need without spending a fortune.
    i think it was Donnie who said to take that first test drive with a padded headband on. ;)
     
  8. Oct 27, 2008
    wendell

    wendell Member

    ohio
    Joined:
    Oct 23, 2008
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    54
    Thanks again guru's!!
     
  9. Oct 27, 2008
    jeeper50

    jeeper50 jeeps 'till I die

    Spanish Fort. AL
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    Dec 20, 2007
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    x2
     
  10. Nov 7, 2008
    Bucket of Bolts

    Bucket of Bolts Broke Member

    Dinuba, Ca.
    Joined:
    Jun 3, 2006
    Messages:
    60
    Has anyone tried to put early Bronco drum brakes on a jeep? I just took the fronts off my sons 75 bronco and put disc brakes on it. The Bronco backing plates have the same 6 bolt pattern as the jeep.
    I put 51 merc brakes on my 2a and it stops great. front brakes are easier to adapt than the rears.
     
  11. Nov 7, 2008
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    Pretty much any donor with 11"x2" Bendix brakes will work with differing degrees of ease. Pretty sure the Bronco has been mentioned here as a possible donor. '60s era F-100s are another possible donor, but the backing plates have to be cut out and redrilled IIRC. '50s Mercury brakes are another classic source, but the donors are scarce now!
     
  12. Nov 7, 2008
    wendell

    wendell Member

    ohio
    Joined:
    Oct 23, 2008
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    54
    I can buy all the parts from some of my jeep catologs except for the backing plates, this should be a pretty easy upgrade as the parts can all be ordered. Just have to find the backing plates somewhere.
     
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