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power brake conversion options

Discussion in 'Flat Fender Tech' started by Andy4802, Mar 5, 2008.

  1. Andy4802

    Andy4802 Canadian Jeep junkie

    what parts have you guys used in your power/disc brake conversions? I'll be using the stock disc brakes on the front and drums on the rear of the D'44s that are going to go under the flattie. Trannny will be an auto, so... single pedal setup.

    i was thinking about finding a booster/master cyl and brake pedal from an automatic TJ or a cherokee and adapting it to the flattie.

    what have you guys tried?
     
  2. Mcruff

    Mcruff Earlycj5 Machinist

    To be truthfully honest you don't really need power disk brakes. I have been running my manual ones for about 2 1/2 years now and drive it on the street quite a bit. They will lock up easy if I want them to. Unless you have some other reason I would forgo the booster as its something else to take up space and go wrong. YMMV
     
  3. w3srl

    w3srl All-around swell dude Staff Member

    X2, especially in a flattie where firewall space is at a premium. In fact, depending on what engine you are going to run, it might get downright unpleasant trying to fit the diameter of a vacuum booster in there while still clearing the hood and the valve covers of a V-6 or a V-8.

    If it were me I would consider keeping the through-the-floor pedals and run Herm's dual MC conversion. Of course, if you can find one of the '67-'71 underfloor MC mounts that would be a lot cheaper, and the MC for that application is less than $40 at your FLAPS. It also has a port in the bottom of the MC for the brake light pressure switch. ;)
     
  4. Andy4802

    Andy4802 Canadian Jeep junkie

    my engine will be built to well over 300 hp... i figure if i have lots of go power i will want lots of stopping power too. But if you guys think i can get away with it, i'll skip the booster and go with a Wilwood swinging setup.
     
  5. w3srl

    w3srl All-around swell dude Staff Member

    Wilwood stuff is nice, but man is it '$pensive!
     
  6. Andy4802

    Andy4802 Canadian Jeep junkie

    i agree, but brakes is one of those things i dont like to go cheap on ;)

    **edit** actually i just priced it on summit's website... the single pedal with the single master is 110$ together. that aint bad!
     
    Last edited: Mar 5, 2008
  7. w3srl

    w3srl All-around swell dude Staff Member

    I would STRONGLY consider a dual-reservoir single MC setup, that way if you blow a wheel cylinder, brake hose, etc you don't lose ALL of your braking. If you're dead set on using Wilwood stuff, they make a setup for two, single MCs with a single brake pedal and they also offer a conventional dual-chamber MC with a single brake pedal. You can use either of these setups with a hydraulic clutch also.
     
  8. timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    The usual problem with a brake booster on a swinging pedal is room for the booster can. Some alternatives would include a hydroboost (can be junkyard sourced; Astro Van, Cadillac, among others) or a remote booster (master-slave-booster-master-wheels, $$).
     
  9. Andy4802

    Andy4802 Canadian Jeep junkie

    i'll be retaining the D18 t-case with e-brake for emergency braking situations. it's never let me down ;)
     
  10. trickpatrick

    trickpatrick Done? LOL

    The hydro setup would work seen it done.

    I passed on power because when you stall you lose the extra and then not much control.
    Of course with manule they stay the same:)

    You need to reinforce the fire wall with an extra layer of sheet metal.

    the dual master should be a law for all auto's, I wont drive anything without it.
    Had to convert my daughter's early mustang.
     
  11. trawler Scott

    trawler Scott Member

    Take a look in street rodder magazine.There are some interesting steering and braking pieces in there including compact boosters.
     
  12. jayhawkclint

    jayhawkclint ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ

  13. Posimoto

    Posimoto Hopeless JEEP Addict

  14. nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Something I haven't seen mentioned yet is the vacuum source. You say you're building the motor which is great, but if going with a big rumpy cam that creates a situation where the motor doesn't produce enough vacuum at idle/off idle to run vacuum items like power boosters. Then you have to get a vacuum reservoir. Non issue as long as you are careful with the cam you choose. Nickmil
     
  15. Andy4802

    Andy4802 Canadian Jeep junkie

    really good point!!

    so if i forego the booster, what do you think of a dual setup like this? http://www.wilwood.com/Products/005-PedalAssemblies/002-FSMP/fsmdmcbp/index.asp
     
  16. w3srl

    w3srl All-around swell dude Staff Member

  17. Hawkes

    Hawkes Member

    My Jeepster has 35's and a 4.3 V6. I have manual brakes, and it's a real pain in situations where the vehicle in front of you stops and you are sitting on a hill having to have both feet on the pedal. You're going for high HP and big tires, I'd say power brakes are a must. I already have the Astro ps pump on my 4.3, and still have the hydroboost from the van. I'm going to put it on this spring hopefully. If you're going to spend money on brakes, might as well go power.
     
  18. Hawkes

    Hawkes Member

    Now that you bring it up, would a canister from cruise control work for a reservoir?
     
  19. Andy4802

    Andy4802 Canadian Jeep junkie

  20. Posimoto

    Posimoto Hopeless JEEP Addict

    I'm using a Wilwood dual MC, similar to the one in your post. Same basic size and I'm running 4 wheel discs and it has plenty of capacity to work those.