bigjustice91

So I already have a 1996 xj, but I'm looking at buying a trail rig. It's not perfect but its still a solid jeep. Anyways, its an 89 with the 4.0 and 5-speed transmission. It has a 4 1/2 inch teraflex(?) lift kit on it, and with 33's. The only problem with it is the breaks SUCK. Test driving it I had to practically stand on the brakes to come to a stop. The only time the brakes engaged was when the pedal was on the floor. On my xj (which does not have a lift) the brakes engage whenever my foot hits the pedal, and I didn't know if that's a normal problem with big rigs. If its not, what aftermarket parts would it take to make that problem better? And if the cost is too much, I might pass. Any help is appreciated!

cdf43

Could be low on brake fluid check the fluid. Which means there's probably a leak somewhere

freegdr

rear brake need adjusting another cause.

bigjustice91

Ok, whenever I take a look at it again I'll check the fluid. I'm not sure if the brake lines were replaced when the guy lifted it, they looked pretty crappy for a lift that is supposedly "a few months old." As for the rear shoes, how would be the best way to check for the proper adjustment?

freegdr

very simple...

bigjustice91

Great! I should look at it again this weekend, and hopefully buy it in the next week or two

caged

if it has abs, it's the crappy bendix system. good luck with that.

you may be able to replace it with a 97+ dual diaphragm brake booster for much better stopping power.

bigjustice91

I'm not sure if I'm familiar with the "bendix system"

XJ.89.Limited

My 89 doesn't have ABS, yours probably doesn't either. I think they came out with ABS in 90, but don't quote me on that.

caged

nope, my 89 limited had bendix 9 abs. i think they were available from 87-90 in the limiteds and pioneers.

either or, swap out your stock single diaphragm booster for one from a 97+.
well worth the swap. there's a little bit of modding you have to do, but you can see what it needs as you do it. a little bit of reaming and grinding of the pedal rod.
that and a new brake line for the proportioning valve. you will have to remove it from the new booster and hook it up in your stock location near the frame rail. that's why you will need a new line. the other one you can bend by hand easy enough to work.

huge friggin difference i tell ya.

XJ.89.Limited

My 89 limited doesn't have ABS though. Was that only in later months? Mine was built in march.

GA_Cherokee

you might need to bleed the system. if thats all thats wrong its a quick cheap fix