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Steering Brake On The Dana 27 (a Locker + 32s Might Break It) Anyone Done This?

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by 70cj5134f, Aug 23, 2018.

  1. Aug 25, 2018
    70cj5134f

    70cj5134f Member

    East Tn
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    Aug 18, 2018
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    Bet I got the 4.27s, by watching the rear drive shaft, and tire rotation, I get just over 4 turns on
    The shaft for 1 turn of the tire.
    Going to consider the locker, instead of the brake.
    Thanks
     
  2. Aug 25, 2018
    Danefraz

    Danefraz Well-Known Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Chico CA
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    I did that with mine when I first got it too, and after pulling the cover on the diff, and 45 years of gear oil, mud and dust slopped out, I was able to to clean it out (especially the gummed gunk living at the bottom of the diff), and then found the ratio on the gear after rotating it around.

    Here's some good info from my thread, (dang this project is getting long in the tooth).
    69 Dauntless Project - the 'Heep'

    @timgr gives a good bit of info about the 4th response down below the first set of pictures on the gear ratio from the stampings.
     
  3. Sep 6, 2018
    70cj5134f

    70cj5134f Member

    East Tn
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    Ok, I'm going to do it!
    Now I got options?
    5/8 ,or 3/4 bore for steering brake.
    Im getting the 2 handle one.
    I know the 5/8 will be easier to pull, but will it move enough fluid?
    Anyone know master cyl bore on a 70 dual?
    Or recommendation?
     
  4. Sep 6, 2018
    ITLKSEZ

    ITLKSEZ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

    Liberty Lake, WA
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    I just came across this thread.
    I have used cutting brakes on a rock crawler with an open rear, and it is a viable option to a locker if you have the patience, coordination and awareness to know what wheel needs traction, and when to work the appropriate brake. I'm planning on setting up a similar system in my current build to help the LSD rear.

    For what it's worth, older (and maybe newer?) Subarus (GLs and Loyales) used front disc brakes with a mechanical parking brake setup. I have these calipers on the rear of my 3b, but I'm sure they'd be plenty strong enough for the front of a cj. The parking brake cables could easily be run separately to individual handles and used as cutting brakes.
    If it's an option, I'll go into more detail about what it would take to mount them and post pics.
     
  5. Sep 7, 2018
    jeepstar

    jeepstar Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Sheboygan
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    :watch:always up for a show
     
  6. Sep 7, 2018
    ITLKSEZ

    ITLKSEZ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

    Liberty Lake, WA
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    Here is the single-piston caliper I used on my rear. I had the 7/8" rotor turned down to a shy 3/4" to fit, but there are better options out there... I'll get to that in a minute. There were twin-piston calipers used on the Legacy Turbo and SVX models that would be better suited for front applications, but this pic will show you how it works. I was just using what parts I had at the time on a college student's budget. ($0) As you can see, the cable operates a cam that moves the whole cylinder assembly.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    Here is a page out of my Subaru service manual showing the different specs for different models. It would be pretty easy to piece together a setup to fit a set of CJ/Scout/Dodge rotors.

    [​IMG]

    Mounting brackets are another story; you're on your own, but I've personally never found that process very difficult. Secure the rotor in place, position the caliper onto the rotor where you want it, apply some brake pressure (to ensure the rotor and caliper are parallel), then connect it how/where you can to the hub (front) or axle tube (rear) with plates and brackets.
     
  7. Sep 8, 2018
    70cj5134f

    70cj5134f Member

    East Tn
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    Thanks for input.
    I'll be using hydralic steer brake on front.
    Ordered a 5/8 bore 2 hdl setup.
    And I don't understand what the problem with the stock brakes are?
    I can lock all 4 wheels on dirt with my stock brakes?
     
  8. Sep 8, 2018
    73 cj5

    73 cj5 Not ready for the junkyard yet

    Clinton, Mississippi
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    There is also the Eldorado caliper with a mechanical parking brake that could be used. depending on the year of the caliper, you can use an early or late CJ7 rotor.
     
  9. Sep 9, 2018
    70cj5134f

    70cj5134f Member

    East Tn
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    Be hear Wednesday, next weekend project!
    Picking up asst brake line lengths tomorrow at Napa.
     
  10. Sep 10, 2018
    70cj5134f

    70cj5134f Member

    East Tn
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    Came in early.
    I've been doing placement and handle bending mock up.
    Before I bolt it down. 15366232312581230583650.jpg
     
  11. Sep 10, 2018
    tarry99

    tarry99 Member

    Northern California
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    I liked the single lever.........push to go Right and Pull to go Left.
     
  12. Sep 11, 2018
    70cj5134f

    70cj5134f Member

    East Tn
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    Came in 2 separate boxes, had to assemble it.
    Hole spacing on steel mount had to be massaged a tad to get
    bolts in. Other than that, it looks like a quality piece,,just under 100$ shipped.
    Had to bend the handles , to separate them,need to be able to grab them without looking!
    Also staggered handles front to back a bit.
    20180910_205122.jpg
     
  13. Sep 11, 2018
    70cj5134f

    70cj5134f Member

    East Tn
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    After moving it around 1/4 in at a time,searching for most
    Confortable position, I decided on a spot and bolted down.
    Have to buy to tomorrow, 3 adapters from 1/8 mpt to 3/16 inverted flare
    Hope they have a 90 ell?
    Then plumbing begins.
    Don't know if it help traction or not,
    But it sure looks mean in their. LOL

    20180911_144628.jpg
     
  14. Sep 13, 2018
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Happy Valley, OR
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    You may want to lay in some spare front axles for that 27. And maybe locking hubs. You are dramatically increasing the load on the unbraked axle shaft, locking hub, and even pinion and side gears. And if you suddenly get traction on the spinning axle shaft there is increased chance of breakage.
     
    Sierra Bum likes this.
  15. Sep 14, 2018
    70cj5134f

    70cj5134f Member

    East Tn
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    I would agree if it was a electric solenoid control switch that was on or off,
    Huge shock on the drivelive, But this is a hand controlled switch that will gently
    apply braking to the spinning side, I hope!
    I've used these before on a 100hp VW powered buggy, rear axle smaller than
    The 27, with 14 x 35 x 15 swampers, never broke an axle.
    The problem I foresee is knowing which tire is spinning?
    And which handle to grab.
    This should work like modern day traction control, except I'm the computer, LOL
     
  16. Sep 14, 2018
    tarry99

    tarry99 Member

    Northern California
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    Not so sure your going to get the effect that you really want by locking the front brakes with a open front diff...........You say your not interested in steering as much as you are in gaining traction.........but by locking one front side or the other the opposite effect may happen as you gain traction you will probably lose some of the ability to steer.
     
  17. Sep 14, 2018
    Daryl

    Daryl Sponsor

    Bonney Lake, WA
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    X2 on the it doesn't work that way on a front steer axle.
     
  18. Sep 14, 2018
    70cj5134f

    70cj5134f Member

    East Tn
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    So if I'm wedged between trees maby steering will be a problem?
    But if I'm spinning on a mud hill or a mud swamp, Appling light braking to the spinning wheel
    should give some pull to the non spinning wheel?
    Is this not what happens in modern day traction control on a front wheel drive?
    That's what happened on rear of buggy?
     
    ITLKSEZ likes this.
  19. Sep 14, 2018
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
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    Maybe it'll work, maybe not. I applaud you're initiative to discouver which it is. :clap::clap::clap:
     
    Last edited: Sep 14, 2018
    1967 CJ5A, Focker and ITLKSEZ like this.
  20. Sep 14, 2018
    Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

    WA
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    X2

    (1 clapper removed)
     
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