Dana 30 knuckles and brake brackets

Sorry, yet another Dana 30 knuckle/disk brake question.

I have both the 77 6 bolt brake knuckles and the 86 2 bolt brake knuckles. Can the 6bolt brake brackets be used with the 2 bolt knuckles (once I remove the 2 bolt bracket)?

I want to have the option to run either kind of brakes as I am going to buy new rotors/pads/calipers/hardware when I am done with the build. If I can run the 2 bolt knuckles (sans bracket) with the 6 bolt bracket I can use either size brakes. Any other reason not to do this?

Thanks again.

Bob

 

I'm not sure i understand why you would want to. If strictly cost is the concern use the later brakes. If you want heavier duty brakes run the earlier stuff with the thicker rotor and heavier calipers.
I want to say the two bolt knuckle casting interferes with the 6 bolt bracket but you'd have to double check that. I think the ears on the knuckle may interfere with the caliper. If there is no clearance issue it should work.
Personally I'd use the earlier heavier duty stuff and either sell the later stuff to finance other things or save the complete set up for another project

 

The newer knuckles are in better shape than my older ones but I wanted to run the bigger brakes. Should I have trouble finding parts in the future it would be nice to be able to remove the 6 bolt bracket and rotors and run the 2 bolt setup. I know a lot more CJs were built with the 2 bolt setup than the 6 bolt so parts should be easy to find for them. With only 2-3 years of the 6 bolt being offered the parts offerings for it may dry up someday.

I just like to have options and I am probably over thinking the situation because its too cold to go out and actually wrench on the Jeep. LOL

Thanks

Bob

 

The thick rotors were used on scout 2's also and are not unique to '77-'78 CJ's. The calipers are also used on Scout 2's and Ford 1/2 tons so I doubt the parts will dry up. The rotors are more expensive though.

 

Ok. Didnt know they were used on the other vehicles. There is less than $100 difference in 2 bolt vs 6 bolt so its not really a money issue.

I do know the 6 bolt calipers are supposed to use a larger (7/16") banjo bolt than the 2 bolts used (3/8"). My 2 bolt setup came with nice braided stainless hoses that I want to use. I have read that you can drill the end out the extra 1/16" and use it on the big brakes as long as you flush it really well. Do you think thats feasable?

Bob

 

You might be able to if there is enough material. Check and see if the Banjo bolt has the groove for the fluid or the hose end. If the hose end has the fluid groove I wouldn't. May restrict fluid flow too much. I've never done it so have no personal experience.