Scout II Discs on D30

Just wondering if anyone here has used Scout II disc brakes on a Dana 30 front end? I'm trying to find out if they used the same six bolt bracket as the 77-78 Jeep.

 

Yes I have and no they didn't. They use an 8 hole bracket and spindle. Otherwise identical. The knuckle can be redrilled for the 8 bolt brackets and spindles for a stronger unit. Did this on the CJ-6 with Chev flattop knuckles for high steer arms and Scout 2 Disc brakes. I "think" the drum brake knuckles can also be redrilled for the 8 bolt brackets. IIRC the 8 bolt brackets can be re drilled to 6 hole also. If I get a chance I'll check tonight as I have a set of drum brake CJ knuckles sitting on the floor in the shop and a set of Scout 2 brackets on the shelf waiting for a project. Nickmil.

 

Thanks, nickmil. Sounds like it would be a lot easier if I can find the 6 bolt Jeep brackets. I put the GM discs on my '73 D30, but there is a casting that sticks out on the caliper where the hose connects and it hits the "C" coming off the axle. Severely limits my turning radius. Problem is they only used the 6 bolt brackets for 2 years so they are a little scarce.

 

Posi, You can redrill the GM brackets and clock the caliper down to fix the problem. You will need to grind the knuckle some to clear the casting of the caliper, but shouldn't be much and really doesn't hurt anything. I've done this conversion a ton of times and all came out well. I've got them on the front of the race Jeep and on the front of the CJ-5 and that's what I did with great results. Didn't have a chance to check on the other stuff last night but will try again tonight. Nickmil.

 

Looking at the drivers side, I have the caliper center at about 3oclock now. The bolt that holds the hose to the caliper hits the casting at the end of the axle tube (where the C is welded to the tubing) about dead center of the tube. Are you saying to clock it down more, like half a hole space? Will the later 2 bolt style brackets work on the early D30?

 

Sorry. I just realized that the picture is of the passenger side. I guess that would be 9 oclock.

 

You actually need to clock it up, that's why you are having clearance issues. When I said clock it down I was thinking you had it the next bolt hole up and was hitting the top of the C portion or something like that. I've got some pics for you and will try to take some more tonight of both the Scout 2 bracket set up and the Chev set up on a drum brake CJ knuckle. I've got markings if visible in the pics to show where you have to grind the knuckle to clear the caliper, the redrilled brackets, and comparison of a drum brake knuckle bolt pattern and disc brake Chev knuckle bolt pattern. PM me your e-mail addy and I'll try and send them to you tomorrow. Nickmil.

 

Once again Nickmil has bailed me out of a tight spot. I don't know if this conversion has been written about (D30 drum to disc) but if it hasn't I'll take photos and do a writeup on it, giving credit where it is due. We're all very lucky to have Nickmil as a member here.

 

have seen bronco disc backing plates on ebay with the six bolts. think they were 79ish.

 

I was planning on doing the same thing using Wagoneer parts. They are 6 bolt as well. Look very similar to chevy stuff. The new calipers were only $11 a piece at Autozone.

 

Caliper brackets are on 1/2 ton chevs are identical to Jeep Wagoneer/pickup pieces. Doesn't matter whether you use chev or Jeep calipers. Only difference in them is how the hose comes out and the size of the port and banjo bolt that holds the hose on. I like using Chev Calipers because then I can buy Suburban 4 wheel drive hoses for like $12 each from the local Flaps and are longer than Jeep pieces so don't need extended hoses for a lift. It's just a matter of preference as either will work. Nickmil.