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Amc Model 20 Rear Disc Brakes?

Discussion in 'Builds and Fabricators Forum' started by Desert Runner, Jul 24, 2016.

  1. Desert Runner

    Desert Runner Member 2024 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Just spent about an hour searching threads, and haven't found what I need. Has anyone put disc brakes on a model 20 using parts from a Cherokee Laredo?

    I've read about using Suzuki rotors and 300zx calipers so you can have an e brake. But it seem every has junk yards that actually have usable parts, Western Pa only has rust mounds.

    But I was about to take the Cherokee to the junk yard, when my daughter got a flat, so I took a tire off the Cherokee and saw the disc brakes and wondered.

    Any Ideas?

    Jay
     
  2. nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    What year and model of Cherokee? Laredo is trim and equipment package, not a model.
    Check the bolt pattern carefully. Some of the Grand Cherokees had a 5 on 5" bolt pattern, not 5 on 5 1/2". Regular XJ Cherokees were 5 on 4 1/2" bolt pattern.
     
  3. timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Pretty sure it has to be a '80 to '89ish Cherokee SJ if it has an AMC 20 rear axle. I don't think the XJ ever came with a Corporate axle. AFAIK the only way to get disk rear brakes on a SJ is with an aftermarket bracket or some aftermarket kit.
     
  4. Desert Runner

    Desert Runner Member 2024 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    OK just to be clear I am looking to put disc brakes on my 78 CJ+5, model 20 rear axle, and I was wondering if the calipers and mounting brackets from the Grand Cherokee would be usable?

    The Jeep is a 1997 Grand Cherokee Laredo. And yes the bolt pattern is 5 on 41/2, so I would have use Suzuki rotors. I haven't seen anyone using these parts, but it does have e-brake capability..... I was just hoping this would work, since it's in my backyard.

    [​IMG]
     
  5. timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Not so familiar with the ZJ... can't find a quick reference for the ZJ rear axles, but I think the rear is Dana 44A (as in aluminum). Kinda think those brakes are not giong to help you.
     
  6. Daryl

    Daryl Sponsor

    You would have to make a mounting bracket to give you the correct backspacing on a sammi rotor. I did one many years ago with sportage rotors. Just had to turn out the center slightly to match the axle shaft. That was on a 44 though, I have never done a caliper bracket for a 20.
     
  7. Desert Runner

    Desert Runner Member 2024 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    I know the 300ZX rear caliper is mounted using a mounting bracket that looks like an "H". Maybe, since I have this in my backyard, I'll pull the parts and see what I can see. I'll let you know what I find.

    Thanks
    Jay
     
  8. oddfirejeeper

    oddfirejeeper Active Member

    the rear in those grands are dana 35 unless you have the v8 then it's the crappy dana 44 aluminum housing