1972 Parts Hard To Find?

I’m in the process of restoring my 1972 Cj5 Renegade. It’s all original, 304 v8/3 speed.

Last year was spent replacing the floor pans and getting the tub ready for body work. Tub is now pulled and I’m about to embark on the frame and mechanicals.

why is it so hard to find parts for the ‘72’s? Nobody sells them, jump right over them to 73 and later.

Specifically, I am looking for brake components. I want to do disks up front if I can and rebuild the drums on the rear. Again, it is completely stock at the moment so factory stuff. Some of the disk conversions say “stock wheels can not be used”, mines got the original Renegade rims and I’m keeping them. Anybody do a disk conversion with these rims?

Thanks in advance.

 

Ignorance mostly. The aftermarket sellers are clueless about year ranges.

For a disk conversion, listing accuracy is up to the seller. No difference between '72 and '73 wheels that I know of. There is no significant difference between '72 brakes and '73 brakes that I can think of. The watershed is between '71 and '72, with all '72-75 being the same in all but minor ways.

Why do you want to convert to front disks? The factory 11"x2" Bendix brakes are pretty good. Would not be at the top on my list.

If you have a specific system or part that you wish to match or upgrade, ask on here.

 

Good call out. I would actually prefer to keep it as was with drums all around. My desire to switch to disks was based on my experience driving my Jeep. It was pretty dicey to stop. Are a good set of drums ok? Makes it easier and cheaper for sure.

 

When I bought my '74 it stopped terribly with the factory drums.

When I put new tires on it I inspected the brakes and found everything was in good shape but the shoes were glazed. I scuffed them up with emory clothe and the jeep stopped much better.
It steered better after I properly adjusted the wheel bearings too.

 

I agree with this. A common "old school" mod for earlier Jeeps is to install the 72-75 11" drum system...which you already have.
Unless you have a lot of horsepower, huge tires, or drive through deep water often (wet drums truly suck!) just use what you've got.
A new set of quality shoes & turning the drums would probably work wonders. Also, make sure your self-adjusters are working.

 

You want to run Organic shoes ..... Not ceramic.

 

x2, very good advice.

 

To expand on this, having your drums turned would be a very good idea. They glaze over time reducing grabbing traction.