17" DIY Big Brake Kit for XJ/MJ/TJ/YJ D30/44
03-03-2016, 07:06 AM
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Year: 1998
Engine: 4.0L 162,000
17" DIY Big Brake Kit for XJ/MJ/TJ/YJ D30/44
17" DIY Big Brake Kit for XJ/MJ/TJ/YJ D30/44
There are many options for upgrading the stock XJ/MJ/TJ/YJ D30/44 front brakes.
Most are quite expensive or labor intensive.
Different BBK options depending on wheel size. 15", 16" or 17"+
15" Wheels
-Stock D30 rotors and calipers- 11" rotor and single piston caliper
-WJ upgrade- 12"rotors and dual piston calipers, Requires welding, steering upgrade, different track bar and relocated sway bar mounts. Costs $1000+
-Vanco 15" kit- New Knuckles, 11.35" rotors and dual piston calipers, bolt on, $1060
16" Wheels
-Vanco 16" Kit- New Knuckles, 12" rotors and dual piston calipers, bolt on, $1060
17"+ Wheels
-Vanco 17" Kit- Modified late knuckles, 13.25" rotors and dual piston calipers, bolt on, $1485
17"+ Wheels are now becoming the common size for 35"+ Tires.
I am interested in upgraded brakes for this application only
I have found a 'DIY' kit for less $$ than currently available BBKs.
Parts-
-Early '84-'89 knuckles with the lugs for the caliper to bolt on (not the late '90+ knuckles with the brake pad 'wings')
-Mustang GT '11-'14 Rotors 13.25" Centric 120.61098
-Calipers dual piston '11-'15 Durango or GC for 350mm rotors Centric 141.58011/12
-Pads semi-metalic Centric 30014550
-14mm grade 8 caliper bolts and washers
-14mm drill bit to drill out the knuckle caliper mounting lug hole
-Spacer machined steel- 1" thick, 1.375" diameter and 9/16" hole
All this bolts on, retains your stock or upgraded steering
The only 'special' part is the machined spacer. My local machine shop made me 8 of these for $50, I supplied the 1.375" round steel
Total cost of 'DIY' BBK is about $500.
This is not a kit for sale, just sharing a recent project. Totally 'Open Source'.
Other kits and upgrades are great products and ideas.
I just wanted to do something different and cheaper.
This works for me as I have 17"+ wheels on my jeeps.
Parts Needed- 17" wheels required
-'84-'89 XJ Knuckles
-Late unit bearing '99.5+, used or new Timken #HA597449
-XJ ball joints, used or new, lower BJ needs screw in piece for knuckle, screw in to 0.206" depth
-14mm drill bit to drill out the knuckle caliper mounting hole (Ebay) get drill necked down to 1/2" or need to use a drill press(safest)
-4 spacers 1 3/8" diameter steel 1.00" thick with 9/16" center hole
-4 caliper mounting bolts 14mm 1.5 70mm (BoltDepot.com)
-4 washers 14mm 10.9 steel (BoltDepot.com)
-calipers- Centric 141.58011/12 (RockAuto.com) Durango/Grand Cherokee '11-'15 350mm rotor
-rotors- Centric 120.61098 (enlarge center hole slightly to fit over hub) Mustang '11-'14
-pads- Centric 30014550 semi-metallic
-Dorman 12709 speed bleeders M10-1.0x35mm- Love these for bleeding brakes!!
There are many options for upgrading the stock XJ/MJ/TJ/YJ D30/44 front brakes.
Most are quite expensive or labor intensive.
Different BBK options depending on wheel size. 15", 16" or 17"+
15" Wheels
-Stock D30 rotors and calipers- 11" rotor and single piston caliper
-WJ upgrade- 12"rotors and dual piston calipers, Requires welding, steering upgrade, different track bar and relocated sway bar mounts. Costs $1000+
-Vanco 15" kit- New Knuckles, 11.35" rotors and dual piston calipers, bolt on, $1060
16" Wheels
-Vanco 16" Kit- New Knuckles, 12" rotors and dual piston calipers, bolt on, $1060
17"+ Wheels
-Vanco 17" Kit- Modified late knuckles, 13.25" rotors and dual piston calipers, bolt on, $1485
17"+ Wheels are now becoming the common size for 35"+ Tires.
I am interested in upgraded brakes for this application only
I have found a 'DIY' kit for less $$ than currently available BBKs.
Parts-
-Early '84-'89 knuckles with the lugs for the caliper to bolt on (not the late '90+ knuckles with the brake pad 'wings')
-Mustang GT '11-'14 Rotors 13.25" Centric 120.61098
-Calipers dual piston '11-'15 Durango or GC for 350mm rotors Centric 141.58011/12
-Pads semi-metalic Centric 30014550
-14mm grade 8 caliper bolts and washers
-14mm drill bit to drill out the knuckle caliper mounting lug hole
-Spacer machined steel- 1" thick, 1.375" diameter and 9/16" hole
All this bolts on, retains your stock or upgraded steering
The only 'special' part is the machined spacer. My local machine shop made me 8 of these for $50, I supplied the 1.375" round steel
Total cost of 'DIY' BBK is about $500.
This is not a kit for sale, just sharing a recent project. Totally 'Open Source'.
Other kits and upgrades are great products and ideas.
I just wanted to do something different and cheaper.
This works for me as I have 17"+ wheels on my jeeps.
Parts Needed- 17" wheels required
-'84-'89 XJ Knuckles
-Late unit bearing '99.5+, used or new Timken #HA597449
-XJ ball joints, used or new, lower BJ needs screw in piece for knuckle, screw in to 0.206" depth
-14mm drill bit to drill out the knuckle caliper mounting hole (Ebay) get drill necked down to 1/2" or need to use a drill press(safest)
-4 spacers 1 3/8" diameter steel 1.00" thick with 9/16" center hole
-4 caliper mounting bolts 14mm 1.5 70mm (BoltDepot.com)
-4 washers 14mm 10.9 steel (BoltDepot.com)
-calipers- Centric 141.58011/12 (RockAuto.com) Durango/Grand Cherokee '11-'15 350mm rotor
-rotors- Centric 120.61098 (enlarge center hole slightly to fit over hub) Mustang '11-'14
-pads- Centric 30014550 semi-metallic
-Dorman 12709 speed bleeders M10-1.0x35mm- Love these for bleeding brakes!!
Last edited by CobraMarty; 07-29-2016 at 06:35 AM.
03-04-2016, 01:59 AM
#3
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Model: Cherokee
There is a company making bigger brake kits,Take a look at http://www.tandrperformance.com/braking.html
03-04-2016, 06:35 AM
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T+D 17" Extreme kit has rotors that are only 13 1/8" and kit is $1430, Ha. 
Their kit also uses 54mm dual piston calipers and requires a master cylinder change for the required additional fluid needed.
Their kit also uses 54mm dual piston calipers and requires a master cylinder change for the required additional fluid needed.
Last edited by CobraMarty; 03-04-2016 at 07:45 AM.
03-04-2016, 07:06 AM
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Yep, T+D 17" Level 3++ Kit has Wilwood 4 piston calipers, 13 1/8" rotors and $1550!! Ouch.
On RaceJeep, I have Mustang Shelby GT500 14" rotors and Brembo 6 piston calipers, same install as these 13.25" above. Cost was under $650.
On RaceJeep, I have Mustang Shelby GT500 14" rotors and Brembo 6 piston calipers, same install as these 13.25" above. Cost was under $650.
Last edited by CobraMarty; 03-04-2016 at 07:42 AM.
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TuggyR (03-01-2023)
03-04-2016, 07:08 AM
#7
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Was going to use 15" Shelby rotors and the 6 piston Brembos but I had to make an adapter piece. Using the 14" rotors, the Brembos just bolt on.
Brembos are off GC SRT8.
MORE INFO HERE-http://jeepm62superchargerkit.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html
Brembos are off GC SRT8.
MORE INFO HERE-http://jeepm62superchargerkit.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html
Last edited by CobraMarty; 03-04-2016 at 07:46 AM.
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03-04-2016, 11:27 PM
#8
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Year: 1999
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Nice right up CM..... I like my brake mods. Been kicking around rotor and caliper options since we got the XJ. This is GOOD stuff.
Nice right up CM..... I like my brake mods. Been kicking around rotor and caliper options since we got the XJ. This is GOOD stuff.
03-05-2016, 05:55 PM
#9
I intend on doing the WJ knuckle upgrade this year.
From my research.....all new but knuckles.......$750
The better wheels come with dual patterns (18x9 in my case, clearance is a non-issue even with offset TREs) and I intend on maintaining the 5x5 up front and using WJ hubs......no BS spacer.
Also, I will go UTK with my crossover steering.....no desire for OTK.......keep it simple and should be able to keep TB mount where it is.
That said...........
Cobra Marty, I stayed out of the supercharger thread, even after being attacked for my lack of 'experience' and basically be named a *******......
Not to cloud your statements and reputation, nor will I dispute either, however....
To state to the buyer that your kit is $xxx........that being a total cost of a plug-n-play supercharger kit is somewhat misleading.
If you are truly getting the numbers your state.......well.........your 125 kit owners will immediately begin finding their weak links, won't they?
Of course......and the pursuit begins.......trans...drive shafts....dyno runs....tuning.....exhaust.....BRAKES.........
And on and on it goes, doesn't it?
From my research.....all new but knuckles.......$750
The better wheels come with dual patterns (18x9 in my case, clearance is a non-issue even with offset TREs) and I intend on maintaining the 5x5 up front and using WJ hubs......no BS spacer.
Also, I will go UTK with my crossover steering.....no desire for OTK.......keep it simple and should be able to keep TB mount where it is.
That said...........
Cobra Marty, I stayed out of the supercharger thread, even after being attacked for my lack of 'experience' and basically be named a *******......
Not to cloud your statements and reputation, nor will I dispute either, however....
To state to the buyer that your kit is $xxx........that being a total cost of a plug-n-play supercharger kit is somewhat misleading.
If you are truly getting the numbers your state.......well.........your 125 kit owners will immediately begin finding their weak links, won't they?
Of course......and the pursuit begins.......trans...drive shafts....dyno runs....tuning.....exhaust.....BRAKES.........
And on and on it goes, doesn't it?
03-05-2016, 06:26 PM
#10
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Use WJ knuckles can be $100-200 a pair.
Can't use WJ stub axles as they are for CV and not universal joints.
UTK steering, the WJ steering arms are lower than XJ steering arms. Your drag link will have a steeper angle and will create bad bump steer. Your track bar and drag link need to be parallel.
By the time you buy the WJ knuckles and $750 you are not that far away from Vanco BBK for $1040
Bigger brakes are a great project.
To state to the buyer that your kit is $xxx........that being a total cost of a plug-n-play supercharger kit is somewhat misleading.
If you are truly getting the numbers your state.......well.........your 125 kit owners will immediately begin finding their weak links, won't they?
Of course......and the pursuit begins.......trans...drive shafts....dyno runs....tuning.....exhaust.....BRAKES.........
The forums and haters can be very frustrating.
Yes the kit is complete for the price. Nothing misleading. Nothing additional is needed. At 6 pounds of boost there is NO weak links unless the engine is worn and not in good maintance before SC install.
Trans, drive shafts, transfer case, axles, exhaust pistons, fuel pump, injectors are all capable of the additional power. NO WEAK LINKS.
At 12.5 pounds of boost, the head gasket on a 160,000 stock long block gave out at the front head bolt that is torqued 10lb-ft less that the other bolts and the head gasket had corroded well before the SC.
Can't use WJ stub axles as they are for CV and not universal joints.
UTK steering, the WJ steering arms are lower than XJ steering arms. Your drag link will have a steeper angle and will create bad bump steer. Your track bar and drag link need to be parallel.
By the time you buy the WJ knuckles and $750 you are not that far away from Vanco BBK for $1040
Bigger brakes are a great project.
To state to the buyer that your kit is $xxx........that being a total cost of a plug-n-play supercharger kit is somewhat misleading.
If you are truly getting the numbers your state.......well.........your 125 kit owners will immediately begin finding their weak links, won't they?
Of course......and the pursuit begins.......trans...drive shafts....dyno runs....tuning.....exhaust.....BRAKES.........
The forums and haters can be very frustrating.
Yes the kit is complete for the price. Nothing misleading. Nothing additional is needed. At 6 pounds of boost there is NO weak links unless the engine is worn and not in good maintance before SC install.
Trans, drive shafts, transfer case, axles, exhaust pistons, fuel pump, injectors are all capable of the additional power. NO WEAK LINKS.
At 12.5 pounds of boost, the head gasket on a 160,000 stock long block gave out at the front head bolt that is torqued 10lb-ft less that the other bolts and the head gasket had corroded well before the SC.
Last edited by CobraMarty; 03-05-2016 at 06:34 PM.
03-07-2016, 01:14 AM
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Engine: 4.0L 162,000
Parts Needed-
-'84-'89 XJ Knuckles
-Late unit bearing '99.5+, used or new Timken #HA597449
-XJ ball joints, used or new, lower BJ needs screw in piece, screw in to 0.206" depth
-14mm drill bit to drill out the knuckle caliper mounting hole (Ebay)
-4 spacers 1 3/8" diameter 1.00" thick with 9/16" center hole
-4 caliper mounting bolts 14mm 1.5 70mm (BoltDepot.com)
-4 washers 14mm 10.9 steel
-calipers- Centric 141.58011/12 (RockAuto.com)
-rotors- Centric 120.61098 (enlarge center hole slightly to fit over hub)
-pads- Centric 30014550 semi-metallic
-Dorman 12709 speed bleeders M10-1.0x35mm- Love these for bleeding brakes!!
-'84-'89 XJ Knuckles
-Late unit bearing '99.5+, used or new Timken #HA597449
-XJ ball joints, used or new, lower BJ needs screw in piece, screw in to 0.206" depth
-14mm drill bit to drill out the knuckle caliper mounting hole (Ebay)
-4 spacers 1 3/8" diameter 1.00" thick with 9/16" center hole
-4 caliper mounting bolts 14mm 1.5 70mm (BoltDepot.com)
-4 washers 14mm 10.9 steel
-calipers- Centric 141.58011/12 (RockAuto.com)
-rotors- Centric 120.61098 (enlarge center hole slightly to fit over hub)
-pads- Centric 30014550 semi-metallic
-Dorman 12709 speed bleeders M10-1.0x35mm- Love these for bleeding brakes!!