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CJ-5 brakes

Discussion in 'Intermediate CJ-5/6/7/8' started by 80cj, Sep 16, 2005.

  1. Sep 16, 2005
    80cj

    80cj Member

    Hawaii
    Joined:
    Sep 1, 2003
    Messages:
    554
    My 80 CJ-5 has manual front discs and 10 x 1 3/4 rear drums. They were rebuilt about 2 years ago so they are in good shape. I used to run 31" tires and recently changed to 32"s. I've noticed that the brakes don't feel as strong as they used to with the 31's and have been contemplating installing the 11 x 2 rear brakes from a 76-78 CJ. I realize that most braking forces aare taken up by the front brakes and wonder how much of an increase in braking effectiveness I will see by going to the larger rear drums. Any one have any clues? I've been wanting to stay away from power brakes as I've seen what can happen when the engine stalls on a hill and you run out of vacuum--worse than manual brakes.
     
    80cj, Sep 16, 2005
    #1
  2. Sep 16, 2005
    lynn

    lynn Time machine / Early CJ5 HR Rep Staff Member

    Huntingdon PA
    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2002
    Messages:
    3,437
    I'd say go for it... but drill the drums before you install them. :D It will give you as-good-as-disc performance, wet AND dry!!

    Do a search on this forum for Drilled Drums, find my write ups on my swap. I'm convinced I'm getting disc-quality stopping power when dry from my 4x11" drilled drums... and when wet from deep crossings I have better than disc performance :D
    If you decide to persue this approach, let me know if any questions.

    (you might even try drilling the drums you have before swapping... it might give you just enough...)
     
    lynn, Sep 16, 2005
    #2
  3. Sep 16, 2005
    80cj

    80cj Member

    Hawaii
    Joined:
    Sep 1, 2003
    Messages:
    554
    Thanks Lynn. I never gave drilling a thought. I'll do a search when I return from work this evening.
     
    80cj, Sep 16, 2005
    #3
  4. Sep 16, 2005
    lynn

    lynn Time machine / Early CJ5 HR Rep Staff Member

    Huntingdon PA
    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2002
    Messages:
    3,437
    If any questions, I'm offline for the weekend... but others here have done it... forum member 'blevisay' (Billy) has done it and can attest to the improvement. He can field questions/offer advice over the weekend.
     
    lynn, Sep 16, 2005
    #4
  5. Sep 16, 2005
    sparky

    sparky Sandgroper Staff Member Founder

    Perth, WA
    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2002
    Messages:
    9,221
    I can attest to the improvement after driving Animal at Tellico and crossing the Plunge only to find I still had brakes. :D
     
    sparky, Sep 16, 2005
    #5
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