Crazy 8s

An excellent question was posed by a member here about what brakes are the best. Brakes are the most important system on your car. ANY car! We should always try to have the best brakes because if they don't cut it, people can die.

The question of what could be the best brakes for an XJ might at first thought, be an wasy one to answer...buy the brakes that can stop you the quickest. The best gripping power, right?

On a performance street car, the biggest, grippiest brakes you can fit in the wheels are going to be the best because your tires can maintain traction through to the pavement and put that grip to work stopping the car. You would match those big brakes to big tires.

Off road, lots less traction. It is way easier to lock up the brakes and lose control, so you can't go too fast!

So, what are the best brakes for off-road driving? I am a rookie off-roader, and don't look forward to sliding over the cliff. No roll cage yet... :/

cruiser54

Put a WJ brake booster/master on it.

Great feel and a ton more braking power.

roadraje

what year JGC booster/MC would be compatible with my 99 XJ? Also, is the JGC better than the Durango one?

cruiser54

99 already has the big booster.

The WJ swap is for 94 and prior.

roadraje

Thanks Cruiser, can you advise what year a Durango MC would be compatible in my '99?

cruiser54

I wish I could. I'm more of the go-to guy on the old crap. LOL.

Tell me though, what size tires etc.

richamor

Not to hijack the thread, but what year WJ MC/booster should one be looking for to put in an 1989 XJ??

cruiser54

Why you no good hijacking SOB!! LOL.

99 to 2004

WJ versus 95 to 96 XJ booster

Actually, the WJ booster is in some ways easier than the 95 to 96 XJ.

I've done both.

XJ, you don't have to mess with the firewall. No big deal anyway.
But, you have to move the washer reservoir. And, once the original booster comes out, the bracket inside the cab moves and makes it a bear to install the new booster.

WJ you have to bend or cut the firewall lip, but don't move the washer bottle.
As an added bonus, the mounting studs of the WJ booster are a bit smaller and it's easier to get in.
Another bonus with the WJ is that it has FLEXIBLE lines from the master cylinder that make putting things together MUCH easier.

richamor

I've been called worse by better LOL!!!

So you say the WJ is the better option? What is the real benefit of this mod?

roadraje

I'm running brand new BFG T/A 31x10.5x15s on 15x8 Pro Comps. Front brakes look good, rear drums just done in February and adjusted recently. The research I've done shows the Durango MC part #NM3061 is a big improvement. I was just hoping for some confirmation from the masses before I pulled the trigger.

cruiser54

A ton more braking power.

I did rear discs on my wife's 88. Nice improvement.

I did the 95 to 96 XJ booster on my 90 Comanche. Great improvement.

Then did the WJ booster on my wife's 88 and I was all smiles.

I haven't just messed with Jeeps my whole life, you know. There were so pretty fast sports cars along the way......

cruiser54

You have an 8.25 rearend?

roadraje

Yes, sorry for not including that.

cruiser54

Then you are a prime candidate for rear discs from a 94 to 98 Grand Cherokee!!

I shoulda mentioned also that my wife's 88 XJ is on 8" wheels and 31s also.

roadraje

I've contemplated that but now you just sold me, the search is on. Thank you.