This is for a 5-speed on 31's for context.

I resisted doing the rear disc swap because, with a manual trans, I use the parking brake a lot. I was skeptical about the mini drum inside the disc to hold on a hill. Think about all the times you get out of the vehicle with it running. Obviously I can't leave it in gear. I finally bit the bullet and did the swap after being fed up with noisy drums. I used ZJ parts. I have the "correct" cables, and I have adjusted the shoes so that they are making slight contact. I've adjusted the lever a few different ways.

Right now I think I've got the maximum holding power I can expect with these adjustments, and it still won't hold on even a medium hill. My driveway has a slight slope, and that's ok, but anything more than that and it will either creep or just roll (on a serious hill). Never had this issue with the rear drums.

If I am actually parking, no problem. I leave it in gear and I'm not going anywhere. It's just so inconvenient to shut the Jeep off every time I get out, even just for a second.

My question is, has anyone successfully dialed in their ZJ (or KJ) disc parking brake to hold reliably on a hill? I mean, it must have worked in the ZJ, right?

If not, I'm considering a line-lock or similar. Not to hold overnight, just for those times where you are just hopping out real quick.

Thoughts?

 

What was the cause of your "noisey drum brakes" as I'm running factory drums w/ NV3550 trans, 231 T-case, 30.6" tires and have no noises.

 

I'm not sure. When I had everything apart a few years ago I refreshed all the hardware and shoes. 6 months later they started squeaking. I could take the drum off, clean everything out, and I'd be good for another day before they started squeaking. I always used "decent" shoes from known brands. A year later when I had it in the shop for inspection they said I needed shoes. I was skeptical, but said sure, replace them. I was good for another 6 months. Then same thing they started squeaking. This time I replaced the shoes and drums. Same thing, 6 months later they start squeaking. I'm no stranger to drums. I've had vehicles with front drums. I never had recurring issues like on these rear drums.

At this point I'm not in a hurry to have to pull my axles again to reinstall the drum backing plates... I am happy with the discs during regular braking.

 

I'm also considering welding/bolting an extension on the levers the cables hook onto sticking out of the backing plate. I'm thinking this would give me more leverage to engage the shoes in the mini drum. I guess I should try this before messing around with line locks...