Dana 30 Discs Convert To Gm Or Not

I got my dana 30 back from the shop to replace my old dana25.
It is from a 1980 cj7, and I know it has the 6 bolt caliper bracket and the thicker rotor, and 6 bolt lockout hubs.

My original plan was just to put brakes system back on just new parts, so have been gathering new discs/calipers/ext.

If I keep the original system: does the caliper bracket go on before OR after the spindle...I can't tell.

When googling for the answer above, I saw the typical ditch the stock system comments. Is there any reason I should ditch the stock jeep calipers system, and move to the gm calipers now? It would be a good time, since I am replacing it all. I know chevy will have more long term support, but is that the only reason? I am hesitant since I plan to keep my 15" wheels (they are aftermarket, but always worried that chevy calipers wouldn't clear.) Does it just consist of buying a gm bracket, caliper and disc...or are the hub modifications required?

Thanks for input.

Oh and did you know warn discontinued the 27spline 6bolt locking hubs? That was a shocker when I was ordering which makes the part availability issue fresh in my mind.

 

Don't ditch the stock system. My '82 axle came with the 2-bolt caliper bracket and they work fine! The 2-bolt bracket bolts to the back (inside) of the spindle.
My short soapbox...Remember you are dramatically increasing braking capability and performance for a small vehicle...you don't need that huge 6 bolt bracket (GM or otherwise) like a truck uses. But since you have it, KEEP it.

That is news about the 27 spline hubs - ouch!
...had to see it for myself...Premium Locking Hub - 27 Spline - 9062 | WARN Industries

darn eBay vampires...
Warn 9062 Locking Hubs Jeep 72-80 CJ5 Scout II - 27 Spline - 6 Bolt | eBay

a cheap option...
AVM 402 locking hubs International Harvester fits jeep CJ warn 9062 lock out | eBay

 

The caliper bracket goes on after the spindle. The calipers for the factory setup are notoriously expensive, starting to get harder to source and prone to drag if not well maintained.
The GM system is a fraction of the cost ( for replacement parts) due to it's year/ model span.
That said I use the factory setup. My Jeep seems to be apart enough I keep them well serviced

 

I'm not so sure about that. With the gm brackets or jeep drums the Spindle has the index bore and the brakes stack on top of the spindle.

The rotor is behind the hub but the drums are on top. The gm calipers use the same thick rotor as the 6bolt bracket jeep. The rotor hat does not fit any other way.

 

If you decide to use the GM brakes, look at this post by Focker. There are alot of pictures and discussion that answer some of your questions.

Front Disc Brake Tutorial | ECJ5 (earlycj5.com)

 

Edited my post Joe is correct the caliper bracket for both the factory 6 bolt and GM conversion goes on over the spindle. Brain fog made me go look I do have camber shims between the spindle and knuckle.

Top to bottom six bolt, gm, later Jeep 2 bolt.

 

Roc auto shows the Jeep calipers starting at 17 bucks a piece.

 

It's been a while since I did this upgrade, but the 2-bolt caliper brake pads are cheap and easy to replace.
I never steer anybody away from these lighter model disk brakes.

 

Cores are like $30-40 if you don't have them. That's a good price if you have them though

 

As noted, the Chevy calipers can have some clearance issues with 15" wheels. Some wheels are fine, others are not. Some caliper grinding may solve the problem if there is interference.

 

If you already have disk brakes and they are in good working condition then i would keep them especially if wheel fitment is a concern. Those GM calipers are big. I doubt parts availability is going to be a major issue unless you need them same day.

 

I appreciate the input as always.
I already have the cj7 calipers/etc so I am going to keep it stock since no one has said the gm performs markedly better…one less fake vehicle to remember at the part store.