Willys Jeep Disk Conversion for $250 |
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JeepSaffer
Member Joined: 26 Sep. 2014 Location: South Africa Status: Offline Points: 1181 |
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Roc, in fairness I think Stan is referring to having the vehicle out of action to do the disc conversion, not for maintenance of either disc or drum brakes....
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1948 CJ2A #204853 in South Africa
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rocnroll
Member Sponsor Member Joined: 20 July 2005 Location: Tuscumbia, AL Status: Offline Points: 13606 |
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Well OK in all fairness I'm just giving the 'other side' of why sometimes 'other ideas', modern or not, can be an improvement if one would think in that direction. As for "out of action to do the conversion" it was already discussed as maybe a 6hr job timeframe (assuming all parts are gathered and on hand when beginning) I personally think that that may be somewhat optimistic so let's stretch that timeline to an extravagant two day weekend.......that's too much downtime? To each his own. . |
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'47 CJ2A PU
'48 CJ2A Lefty "Common sense is not that common" |
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mickeykelley
Member Joined: 26 May 2016 Location: Republic of Texas Status: Offline Points: 450 |
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I am right in the middle of the Geo conversion on my CJ5. The reason for 'me' is that the 9", as we got the jeep, are plain scary. Such that the wife refused to even drive it. When I started reading about rebuilding them, I spent about a year reading and getting information. One of my original criteria was keeping the original KH wheels. Part of 'my and wifes' joy is it being old school so look was important. I figured that by the time I rebuilt the the 9" vs something else, I might just be wasting money. I gave up on the Chevy conversion due the wheel issue. So bought the 11" self adjusting Bendix for front and rear, and was going that route when I stumbled into this Geo discussing here. It seems pretty straight forward and fairly cost effective and it seems like those who have done it have been very happy. Then adding to the bit about going thru water and drums taking awhile to dry out, I proceeded ahead. Now, I have to admit that it has been like pulling teeth at times. But that is really not about the conversion but more to do with getting all the parts on hand and the multiple vendors, trips for wrong piece, not in stock, one comes in, then wait for second, then it's wrong, deciding to do bearings and seal while in there, blah, blah. In the mean time since I started this, the jeep is out of commission and garage space occupied. So my advise is get your list and ALL parts in your hands before you even take the wheel off. When finished, I'll be posting my finished feelings. On the Geo conversion, Stev here has been very helpful. A thank you shout out to him in particular and others.
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smfulle
Member Sponsor Member Joined: 16 Sep. 2010 Location: Ogden, Utah Status: Offline Points: 6142 |
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My real deal is that original brakes work fine therefor there is no need to put a disc brake upgrade at the top of your list of things to do.
Are modern disc brakes better? Yes, of course they are. That's why all cars have them now, and motorcycles, and bicycles, and baby carriages and ... Also, I will concede the fact that changing brake pads is a bit easier and faster than changing out brake shoes. And putting an entire disc brake system in your Willys is a pretty simple job as far as modernizing goes. Way easier that a engine swap or a transfer case gear set change. But changing brake shoes is NOT a major job most of the time. And I've done enough brake jobs on cars from the 50s and 60s that I can swap the shoes out pretty fast. But it kind of reminds me of back when I worked at the Chevron station and we had this guy come in with a Camaro, all jacked up in the back, with big wide 50s on the back, wrapped around some sweet Cragar spoke wheels. I was thrilled when he asked me to check his oil. What kind of monster motor will I get to look at? When I popped the hood I was looking at a tiny little six cylinder engine inside that big ole engine bay. Even at sixteen I knew that that guy had started at the wrong end of his to-do list. I am definitely NOT saying that disc brakes are a bad idea. They are a good idea and I may go that way someday. Just saying, for me, they are not necessary at this time, and would not be the first on my to-do list, especially if my jeep was sitting in the garage not moving while I waited for new improved brakes parts to arrive. My favorite part of having a jeep is driving it, not working on it, or looking at it, but to others, and I really do respect this, their favorite part is working on their jeep. And most of you do fabulous work that I could never come close to matching. Also would like to add that I really appreciate the people on this thread that have taken the time to map out the bits and pieces required if one decides to do this upgrade. |
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jpet
Moderator Group Sponsor Member x 5 Joined: 30 Apr. 2008 Location: Ramsey, IL Status: Offline Points: 11174 |
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I think what Stan is trying to say is, If you are unhappy with the performance of your brakes, a disc brake conversion could be a good idea, but don't feel the need to make the conversion if your brakes were working fine until you learned that they are not working fine ... by reading this thread.
Edit: A dual master cylinder is a very good idea. Edited by jpet - 17 Aug. 2018 at 3:18pm |
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CJ2A #29110 "General Willys"
MB #204827 "BAM BAM" "We do what we can, and we try what we can't" |
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67charger
Member Joined: 27 Sep. 2011 Location: Kentucky Status: Offline Points: 1272 |
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It took me a weekend to do my Geo conversion. The best part of the Geo conversion was the fact nothing was modified, no original parts were ruined, it looks stock "not hacked up etc.", and all the wearable stock Geo parts you can buy from O'reillys etc.. Its different strokes for different folks, but for me its one of the best conversions I have ever done on the jeep. I think the second best was the 11 inch bendix drums on the back then seat cushions for my arse.
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Stev
Member Sponsor Member Joined: 27 July 2016 Location: Cincinnati Status: Offline Points: 2391 |
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I know that safety is a big thing for me. I don't want to be the guy who has to live with the fact that my friend, kid or myself are in the hospital because I choose not to maintain my Jeep, do reasonable upgrades as people figured them out. My kids wanted to wheel so disc brakes made since for me.
When we wheel old Jeeps,our group decided years ago that everyone to have these things: - Working brakes - Working Parking brake - that could hold the Jeep on a steep hill - Roll bar - Seat belts - Fire extinguisher - Well mounted recovery points. I would add having everything tied down - especially the spare tire and the Highlift Jack - in case the Jeep rolls is a must. Be Safe Out There - Jeep Softly - Lend a Hand Edited by Stev - 17 Aug. 2018 at 3:24pm |
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Stev
1946 CJ2A Trail Jeep (The Saint), 1948 CJ2A Lefty Restored |
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jpet
Moderator Group Sponsor Member x 5 Joined: 30 Apr. 2008 Location: Ramsey, IL Status: Offline Points: 11174 |
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.... how do you know that your disc brakes stop better than Stan's 9' brakes. You don't know that. You have never driven his jeep. You don't know that all jeeps with 9" brakes are unsafe. Why stop there? Is not having anti-lock brakes dangerous? how about no air bags?
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CJ2A #29110 "General Willys"
MB #204827 "BAM BAM" "We do what we can, and we try what we can't" |
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truher
Member Joined: 27 May 2018 Location: california Status: Offline Points: 8 |
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Ha ha, I think Stan is totally right, I could just maintain the original brakes. I totally admit that my intentions aren't entirely rational, but I think that's ok. I just like the disc design better. I do have reasons: I like the lower pedal effort, and ive felt that scary feeling where your drums fade to "barely working" halfway down a long steep hill. The trigger for me right now is troubleshooting a slight pull to the left, despite the adjusters seeming to be set correctly, using the feeler gauge method. Troubleshooting a design youdon't like is pretty painful. :-)
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jpet
Moderator Group Sponsor Member x 5 Joined: 30 Apr. 2008 Location: Ramsey, IL Status: Offline Points: 11174 |
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I have disc brakes too and agree that they are better. If someone implies that it is irresponsible not to upgrade 9" brakes period..... well .....
GW has 9" brakes. They stop just as good as ANY disc brake conversion. How do I know? because all 4 lock up. There is no such thing as, "mine lock up better" If Russia can blow up the earth 5 times but the US can blow it up 10 times, who has the advantage? Edit: Locking up your brakes in a panic stop is usually NOT a good. Edited by jpet - 17 Aug. 2018 at 3:50pm |
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CJ2A #29110 "General Willys"
MB #204827 "BAM BAM" "We do what we can, and we try what we can't" |
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rocnroll
Member Sponsor Member Joined: 20 July 2005 Location: Tuscumbia, AL Status: Offline Points: 13606 |
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I'm trying to read where this came into the thread?? |
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'47 CJ2A PU
'48 CJ2A Lefty "Common sense is not that common" |
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jpet
Moderator Group Sponsor Member x 5 Joined: 30 Apr. 2008 Location: Ramsey, IL Status: Offline Points: 11174 |
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... ok well, what does this statement mean? |
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CJ2A #29110 "General Willys"
MB #204827 "BAM BAM" "We do what we can, and we try what we can't" |
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Stev
Member Sponsor Member Joined: 27 July 2016 Location: Cincinnati Status: Offline Points: 2391 |
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-- This is just people trying to figure out what work for them. Everyone has to figure it out for themselves what they are going to do. No wrong or right answers. Hopefully we will all have great outcomes and great wheeling experiences.
I wheeled for 32 years with 9"drums brakes before going to discs. I am pleased with discs but might still be wheeling with 9" drums if my kids were not interested in wheeling.
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Stev
1946 CJ2A Trail Jeep (The Saint), 1948 CJ2A Lefty Restored |
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rocnroll
Member Sponsor Member Joined: 20 July 2005 Location: Tuscumbia, AL Status: Offline Points: 13606 |
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Well I didn't mean anything by it...was just trying to figure out all the defensiveness that just seemed to jump in there.
I guess I see what you are saying (and BTW I agree with your lockup scenario) but I was just thrown by the fact Stev didn't even mention Stan's brakes so it just seemed sort of odd to add. Oh well. |
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'47 CJ2A PU
'48 CJ2A Lefty "Common sense is not that common" |
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jpet
Moderator Group Sponsor Member x 5 Joined: 30 Apr. 2008 Location: Ramsey, IL Status: Offline Points: 11174 |
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It is not my intention to offend anyone either so I'm sorry if I did.
I have 9" brakes on GW and have no intention of changing them. If someone wants to advise me or debate it, I'm fine with that. If someone is going to imply that I am irresponsible for not changing them and /or putting loved ones in danger, I will take offense to it. If I misunderstood, then I humbly apologize. We are friends here. |
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CJ2A #29110 "General Willys"
MB #204827 "BAM BAM" "We do what we can, and we try what we can't" |
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Stev
Member Sponsor Member Joined: 27 July 2016 Location: Cincinnati Status: Offline Points: 2391 |
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All -I apologies publicly for any inference or issue on this thread. No harm intended.
Stev
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Stev
1946 CJ2A Trail Jeep (The Saint), 1948 CJ2A Lefty Restored |
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64CJ5
Member Sponsor Member Joined: 15 Nov. 2013 Location: NE Wyoming Status: Offline Points: 945 |
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With great interest I have been reading this article. Years ago I upgraded my 64 CJ5 to 11" self adjusting brakes and it dose stop with authority. The 52 M-38 has 9" brakes that work well. Right now I do not care to spend the time or money to replace what works. I want to drive the trails and see the sights with the windshield down. I have miles to Jeep before I sleep. FCT here we come.
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64CJ5 "Eeyore"
01TJ "Tigger" 52 M38 Severely demilitarized, "Popeye" The Coast Guard Jeep. 14 JK "Jake" To Trust Government Defys Both History and Reason. PUBLIC LAND Owner/User |
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athawk11
Member Joined: 18 Jan. 2012 Location: Arvada,Colorado Status: Offline Points: 4151 |
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I'm beginning to feel like a relic here at the 2A Page. I like my old school 9" brakes. I also like my old school generators and air filters.
I choose to pay homage to the original design when I can. Helps me to connect to a simpler time I guess. To each their own.
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1- 1946 CJ2A
2- 1949 CJ3A |
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