TexasZJ

Something I noticed that kinda got skipped over. You show the GC SRT8 with the 6 piston Brembo brakes has the same mounting hole pattern of 5.5 inches. Can we use them with this swap using the sport trac rotor? By any chance have you looked at the rear caliper mounting configuration? I would love bigger brakes both front and rear for my ZJ.

Social_Joe

I just wanted to thank everyone in this thread for the valuable info and I wanted to share a DIY I wrote based on that info. I found some updated/alternative parts sources and dealt with a couple surprises. Hopefully this helps others. This thread was a huge help to me.

Parts List / DIY:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1...it?usp=sharing

Overview (copied from the link / Google doc above):
"My daily driver is a ‘96 XJ that sees around 20k miles a year. It’s lifted 4” on 32”x11.50’s. I’m running a V8 ZJ tie rod swap, Moog tie rods ends and a Rough Country dropped track-arm with a Moog TRE in place of the RC provided unit. I’m content with my setup and it’s met my needs for over 60k miles. The brakes however were showing signs of overheating after a year and were marginal given the amount of commuting I do. Additionally my rear drum brakes were warping. For the front brakes; I initially considered doing the standard WJ knuckle/brake swap, but when I started looking into the amount of work involved and how much of what I’d already replaced would need to be replaced again, I wasn’t too enthused. I found the 15" DIY Big Brake Kit for XJ/MJ/TJ/YJ/D30/D44 onwww.cherokeeforum.com. The DIY was originally written 5 years ago and CobraMarty did an amazing job, but I did run into a couple surprises and was able to find actual caliper mounting bolts and aftermarket alternatives to several parts he listed.

For the rear brakes; I rebuilt and swapped a set of KJ Liberty disc brakes. This swap is effectively the same as a ZJ rear disc swap. There were some curveballs I’ll discuss. I cleaned/blasted/painted all the used parts, but that’s totally up to you.

What follows is a description of what parts I used, their cost and the procedures to install them. I also included a list of helpful links at the end. Some of these things I had to source locally due to figuring things out as I went. I included the local sources. Of course you can choose other sources, brands, etc. This is just what I used and what is working for me. After the upgrade, I went on a 500 mile round trip without an issue and wow was it worth it. Keep in mind that in ‘96 the XJ got a better master cylinder and a dual diaphragm booster. Upgrading to a WJ booster/master might not be a bad idea for pre ‘96 models; I can’t say for certain.

Good luck!"

xjallseasons

I have a 96 and biggest concern is that you have to have 87 to 89 knuckles. Would you please include the part numbers for the parts that are needed so I can do this to mine? Also, my wheels have inner weights. Could I use this same brake mod (I read that you couldn't)? What if any could be done here?

christer

Hey! this thread is amazing, I have a 1989 yj with the stock dana 30 in the front. I am planning on doing a complete rebuild on my front diff and really want to do your 15" DIY brake kit. Do you know if the late YJ and the late XJ have the same steering knuckles? I already have a large after market brake booster and a proportioning valve for my jeep while doing my ford 8.8 swap.

Social_Joe

I swapped 89 YJ knuckles onto my 96 to do the swap. They knuckles you need are the type that the entire caliper bolts to 2 holes instead of the later kind with the cast "wings" for the pads to slide on. The details are in my DIY if you're interested.

christer

yes I am very interested! sorry but I am a little confused at your last statement, so the steering knuckle from the 89 YJ will work?

Social_Joe

Yes; I swapped 89 YJ knuckles (same as early model XJ knuckles) onto my 96 to do the swap. Your 89 YJ already has the correct knuckles, so you're good to go there. Just drill yours to fit the new calipers.

In this case "early XJ" doesnt mean 96 and earlier, rather 84-87 or 89 (can't recall off the top of my head).

Social_Joe

christer

awesome thank you, can you send that screen shot again? I cant see the part about the rotors and calipers!

Social_Joe

the entire DIY I wrote is linked a few posts above this one. #62 to be exact.

https:/docs.google.com/document/u/0/d/1Cv83Y7F7hu4QK3Grd72LKF1uSeHcZERGiwWGbjfxG3I/mobilebasic

christer

I must have missed that! this is amazing, thank you for spending your time and creating this! I will definitely be doing this mod to my jeep.

Social_Joe

lol, no worries at all and I'm glad you can use it.

Fwiw, I'm still running that setup. I will say, the Raybestos rears warped after about 15k miles and i swapped to Powerstops, but otherwise zero issues.