Hi there I am replacing my brakes front and back, when I go to look at the parts it asks if I want 9" or 10" brake drums/rotors? which one do I need.
I have a 1996 Jeep Cherokee sport. no modifications that would affect the stock brakes.

 

Take a look at the rear drums if they have the fins on it then they are the 10" if no fins 9". Also the 10" came on the police package and I think similar like the forestry service. Or you can always pull the tire and measure the drum.

 

Ok thank you. Is there any other way to tell other than the fins? Does it matter if you change the drum size as long as you get the correct pads too? Example if I had 10" drums and pads and I bought a set of 9" would that affect anything. Not saying I am doing that but if the size was incorrect from the PO and I was in aware. Thanks

 

It wont work putting the different size brakes. You have to use the correct size or they just won't fit. You can't just change the drums to match the brakes because everything else is also set for the size you need. The only other way is to pull the tire and measure them. More then likely you have the 9" drum. The 9" is the most common between the 2.

 

Ok much appreciated. That was the info I needed, thank you. This is what makes this forum great. You can ask a "dumb" question and people are more than happy to spread their wisdom.

 

Not a problem! We all have a dumb question one time or another. Even I do!
We are all here for the same reason to help and to get help.

 

HUh. seems I have wbastard brakes.. My 9" drums have fins. Easy way to tell is to pull the wheel and MEASURE the shoes. 9" brakes have 9" long shoes and 10", 10" long. Also the 9" shoes are wider than the 10", If I recall the 9s are 2" or 2.5" and the 10" are 1/2" narrower.

 

Ok I will check that out thanks for the info. I am just concerned that the brakes were done incorrectly at one point, but if the other parts wont fit I think I can rule that out. I will do all the things you guys suggest. Thanks

 

What makes you think that they were done wrong? What is it doing? Are they not gripping? You can pull the drums and make sure that everything is in working order and nothing has broken and the springs are in good shape. With a little luck you may just have to adjust them if they don't feel right or you may have to bleed the system.