Brake Upgrade - Best Option?

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   I have read a lot of the threads and there is a ton of info on upgrading brakes but it is not clear to me what is the easiest. I have a 48 with stock wheels and want to upgrade the easiest way possible. I don't want to grind anything, if possible, or change the wheels. I will never drive it over 35 so I am open to either drum or disc brakes. It seems most disc upgrades require new wheels. For drums is there a kit that will work with original wheels. I am hoping to avoid trying to track down a bunch of individual parts and just purchase a complete kit. 

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Alpine Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Member Joined: 04 Oct. 2012 Location: Katy,TX Status: Offline Points: 530	Post Options Post Reply Quote Alpine Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Brake Upgrade - Best Option? Posted: 26 Oct. 2022 at 10:18am
	I have read a lot of the threads and there is a ton of info on upgrading brakes but it is not clear to me what is the easiest. I have a 48 with stock wheels and want to upgrade the easiest way possible. I don't want to grind anything, if possible, or change the wheels. I will never drive it over 35 so I am open to either drum or disc brakes. It seems most disc upgrades require new wheels. For drums is there a kit that will work with original wheels. I am hoping to avoid trying to track down a bunch of individual parts and just purchase a complete kit.

Agas46cj Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Member Joined: 09 July 2022 Location: 17569 Status: Offline Points: 267	Post Options Post Reply Quote Agas46cj Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 26 Oct. 2022 at 10:22am
	https://brennans-garage.com/products/copy-of-trackick-disc-brake-conversion-bracket-two-pair You could do the Trackick brake conversion and buy the parts Bruce is selling on the for sale page. It looks reasonable in price and doesn’t look like it requires much in the way of mods. I plan on doing it to mine when I get it reassembled years from now.

nofender Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Member Sponsor Member x 3 Joined: 10 May 2016 Location: Maryland Status: Offline Points: 2035	Post Options Post Reply Quote nofender Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 26 Oct. 2022 at 10:31am
	My experience with multiple brake conversions - stock wheels won't work. I've ended up using spacers. I've done GM, Jeep and the Tracker conversions. Is there are reason drums in good shape and in good order won't serve your needs? My 46 is largely stock and the 9 inch drums will put you through the windshield. My other Jeeps that reach higher speeds all have dics.
	46 CJ2a rockcrawler 46 CJ2a - 26819 46 Bantam T3c "4366" 47 Bantam T3C - 11800 68-ish CJ5

oldtime Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Member Joined: 12 Sep. 2009 Location: Missouri Status: Offline Points: 4184	Post Options Post Reply Quote oldtime Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 26 Oct. 2022 at 10:43am
	Simplest is going to Jeep 10” Wagner drum brakes as were used on all 66-71 Dauntless CJ’s. Try and find a set with the self adjusters in tact. Second easiest is going to 11” Jeep Bendix drum brakes as were used on all 1972-1975 CJ’s and several other Jeeps after 1971. These are also self adjusting. I use both depending on the Jeep. Not required to change the master cylinder if you don’t want to for either set. Edited by oldtime - 26 Oct. 2022 at 10:47am
	Currently building my final F-134 powered 3B . T98-A Rock Crawler using exclusive factory parts and Approved Special Equipment from the Willys Motors era (1953-1963) Zero aftermarket parts

Bruce W Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Member Joined: 29 July 2005 Location: Northeast Colorado Status: Online Points: 9651	Post Options Post Reply Quote Bruce W Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 26 Oct. 2022 at 10:43am
	A little here, a little there, it adds up. A TracKick conversion with new calipers and rotors and a Wilwood master cylinder can reach $1,000 without labor. The entire 9” system could be replaced for less, I think. All of my jeeps have stock 9” brakes and stop well. BW
	It is NOT a Jeep Willys! It is a Willys jeep. Happy Trails! Good-bye, Good Luck, and May the Good Lord Take a Likin' to You! We Have Miles to Jeep, Before We Sleep.

JohnB Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Member Sponsor Member Joined: 01 June 2014 Location: Saint Louis, MO Status: Offline Points: 393	Post Options Post Reply Quote JohnB Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 26 Oct. 2022 at 10:46am
	You asked for easiest conversion and I would add straight forward. I did the 11” Bendix upgrade on all 4 corners and very pleased. I used some threads here to figure it all out. My 16” wheels fit fine with no spacers and the drums though larger look original.

duffer Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Member Joined: 02 Feb. 2012 Location: Bozeman, MT Status: Offline Points: 1087	Post Options Post Reply Quote duffer Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 26 Oct. 2022 at 11:21am
	I agree with nofender and Bruce, the 9" brakes work just fine in a stock Willys if in good condition and properly adjusted. For a Jeep that will not likely see highway speed, more than adequate. They will lock all four wheels up on dry pavement. BTDT If you are intent on an up-grade, the 11" Bendix will likely be the cheapest route with basically no complications. I ran those on my 3B for a number of years. While the 10" CJ brakes Ken mentioned will work, pieces for those are approaching unobtanium status, are more expensive than the 11" parts, and obviously, a bit less performance potential.
	1955 3B: 441sbc,AGE 4 speed transmission, Teralow D18w/Warn OD, 4.11:1 D44's/ARB's, glass tub & fenders, aluminum hood/grill, 8274, York OBA, Premier Power Welder; 67 CJ5: 225,T86AA, D18, 4.88's, OD

Oldpappy Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Member Joined: 09 Apr. 2018 Location: Tennessee Status: Offline Points: 4906	Post Options Post Reply Quote Oldpappy Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 26 Oct. 2022 at 3:46pm
	As to whether 11" drums will clear stock wheels. The answer is, it depends on which stock wheels you have. The 16" KH wheels on my 47 CJ2A clear the drums without any problem. They are the non-finned drums. The 15" wheels on my 67 CJ5 would not clear the 11" drums I have on that Jeep, but they did clear 11" drums on John's CJ2A which is who I bought them from. Drums are manufactured by several different companies, some suppliers list the thickness in their specs, some don't. What I found is some drums are thicker than others and the ones I bought were the thickest I found specs for. I just used 1" spacers on that Jeep to clear the drums. As has been said the 9" brakes will stop the Jeep fine if kept in good order and adjustment, but I hate fooling with the older Lockheed brakes with the drums inboard of the hubs and the assembly held together with swaged studs. Another "upgrade" not mentioned is to change from the earlier Lockheed 9" to the later Bendix 9" with outboard drums and don't swage the studs as it is not neccessary. This is an upgrade because of 3 things. The Bendix design is self actuating (not self adjusting), there are only two adjustment eccentrics, and if the studs are not swaged are easier to service as you can remove drums without having to remove the hub assemblies. This would be an improvement and probably the cheapest upgrade you can do.. I have 11" drums on all four wheels on my CJ5, and on the CJ2A I have 11" front with 9" rear. Both stop very well. The Jeep I am building will probably have 11" rear drums with discs up front. Edited by Oldpappy - 26 Oct. 2022 at 3:56pm
	If you can't get there in a Jeep you don't need to be there!

3A Steve Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Member Joined: 10 June 2016 Location: West Virginia Status: Offline Points: 879	Post Options Post Reply Quote 3A Steve Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 26 Oct. 2022 at 4:50pm
	I think the easiest path to better brakes is to get softer compound shoes. I purchased some NOS unlined shoes from Fitzpatrick and sent them to Rochester Brake and Shoe. Asked for softer compound linings. They probably won't go 40,000 miles but they have gone a few thousand for me on my 3A and are a noticeable improvement. Was told this was what classic old car owners did to remain unmodified but still get decent stopping power. Did put discs on my 51 wagon and must say they are a totally different animal.

Barry S Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Member Joined: 01 Mar. 2020 Location: Ohio Status: Offline Points: 661	Post Options Post Reply Quote Barry S Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 26 Oct. 2022 at 8:21pm
	Hi Alpine, after years of messing with drum brakes I went to disks on all 4 corners using Brennan's brackets on my 47 2A and we also did my brother's 51 3B. I would not do anything else now. I don't care that they don't look stock. Confidence level is very high when hanging on rocks and ledges and after sticky mud I don't have to take anything apart - everything is wide open and pressure washes out easily. I thought the conversion was easier than messing with drums and shoes and springs and adjusters ect.. All the parts were inexpensive and very available. The only parts that I thought were expensive were the core charges on all the calipers if you don't have any to turn in. (I have a mechanic friend who let me steal calipers off junk cars out back to turn in as cores.) The hardest part of the whole project was cutting the swedges and pressing the old studs out and that wasn't even that tough using a hole saw and shop press. Everything else is pretty much just bolt on. I did buy a Wilwood dual remote reservoir master cylinder but I still have not gotten around to installing it . The original master works just fine but I do want the extra security of separate front and rear circuits. I had to use 1" wheel spacers but actually like the slightly wider stance. I don't even think about brakes anymore - there are no adjustments to mess with - they just work! -Barry
	1947 CJ2A 93664 "Grasshopper" 1947 CJ2A 90729 194? CJ2A 04893/194304 1946 CJ2A 46745 1946 CJ2A 36723 1945 MB 413665 1971 CJ5 8305017 375392 Drive train parts donor Bantam Trailer T3-C 25487

Alpine Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Member Joined: 04 Oct. 2012 Location: Katy,TX Status: Offline Points: 530	Post Options Post Reply Quote Alpine Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 27 Oct. 2022 at 10:50am
	Nevermind, I think I found what I was looking for. Edited by Alpine - 27 Oct. 2022 at 1:59pm

Alpine Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Member Joined: 04 Oct. 2012 Location: Katy,TX Status: Offline Points: 530	Post Options Post Reply Quote Alpine Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 04 Nov. 2022 at 5:30pm
	What brand caliper is the best option for the upgrade? There are too many different brands. I'm looking at the Geo Tracker upgrade. Thanks.

jeepsterjim Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Member Joined: 13 July 2011 Location: lincoln, ca Status: Offline Points: 1283	Post Options Post Reply Quote jeepsterjim Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 04 Nov. 2022 at 6:24pm
	geo tracker kit is a simple upgrade, works well and one that's easy to maintain. ALL upgrades have some sort of modification so choose your poison. I have the brennan's disc brake setup on all 4 corners. The rears have Electric E-brake.
	Jim CJ-2A - 81299

EJs1950 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Member Joined: 27 Mar. 2018 Location: Fl Status: Offline Points: 22	Post Options Post Reply Quote EJs1950 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 07 Nov. 2022 at 7:05pm
	I have recently got to a point to install and test the Suzuki Samari /Geo tracker conversion. I am having issues with the brake pad retaining clips. There is not enough room to install the clips. The diameter of the rotor does not leave enough gap between the rotor and the mounting bracket to install the retaining clips. This problem is with the front and back. . Is anyone using the brake system without the retaining clips? Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

nofender Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Member Sponsor Member x 3 Joined: 10 May 2016 Location: Maryland Status: Offline Points: 2035	Post Options Post Reply Quote nofender Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 07 Nov. 2022 at 7:14pm
	I had the same issue. I ended up "touching them up" with a Dremel. It didn't take alot. The trickier part is holding the clip steady so it doesn't fly off and cut you to ribbon when you try and clearance it. Be careful. I used a small clamp. Then used the vise to hold the clamp. I imagine you could just as easily hand file them.
	46 CJ2a rockcrawler 46 CJ2a - 26819 46 Bantam T3c "4366" 47 Bantam T3C - 11800 68-ish CJ5

Bruce W Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Member Joined: 29 July 2005 Location: Northeast Colorado Status: Online Points: 9651	Post Options Post Reply Quote Bruce W Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 07 Nov. 2022 at 7:41pm
	They are springy, probably hardened. I doubt you’re going to file them. They are an “anti-rattle” spring. Nothing will be lost if you leave them out but the pads may rattle. Will you hear it? Probably not. I’ll have to admit - on the last conversion I did, I turned the OD of the rotors down a bit. BW
	It is NOT a Jeep Willys! It is a Willys jeep. Happy Trails! Good-bye, Good Luck, and May the Good Lord Take a Likin' to You! We Have Miles to Jeep, Before We Sleep.

EJs1950 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Member Joined: 27 Mar. 2018 Location: Fl Status: Offline Points: 22	Post Options Post Reply Quote EJs1950 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 07 Nov. 2022 at 7:50pm
	I will try to cut down on the clips. If that doesn't work. I will try to find a shop that can turn down the diameter of the rotor. If not I guess I'll see how bad the rattle noise will be. Thank you.

Oldie but Goodie Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Member Joined: 10 Oct. 2022 Location: Oregon Status: Offline Points: 16	Post Options Post Reply Quote Oldie but Goodie Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 30 Nov. 2022 at 4:47pm
	I’m also in the process of doing the Geo Tracker disc conversion from Brennan’s-Garage and am having trouble finding banjo bolts that would mate from the 85 accord soft line to the Tracker caliper? Anybody else have this issue ?? TIA p.s. I also have an E-stop electric brake I’d like to install how did you accomplish this on the rear??