Classic_xj98

First I would just like to say a few things. I have been following this forum a lot since before i even bought my first jeep, a 98 xj and have learned a lot already. This is my first post, so please bare with me. I would also like to go out and say that it's amazing how well everyone comes together to help others, seems like one big family on here.

I have a 98 XJ that is lifted 8", the previous owner just cut the cables and let it be. not cool with me, they're called EMERGENCY brakes for a reason, right? anyway, i'm looking at replacing them and need some advice as to what route to take. any suggestions?

Thanks in advance for any help provided

stompertoo

I had the same issue. I installed a line lock. Old drag racer's trick. You can get them at any speed shop or from Jegs or Summit

SteveMongr

Passenger side parking brake cable from a 1991 and newer YJ will work, will need two. Part #52007522

It's technically a parking brake and should be used as such. The tab that locks vehicle while in park is very small, not designed to continuously hold back the weight of vehicle.

Classic_xj98

stevemongr, will they stop me in the event of an emergency? this jeep is on the road so i need something that will stop me if i need to stop in a hurry w/o blowing out. and they're definitely going to be long enough?

Classic_xj98

would it be worth it to take it to a brake shop somewhere and have custom lines built for it?

SteveMongr

Yes, they will be long enough. I used them on an XJ with 5" lift and there was plenty of cable remaining. I got the info from others that have used them. However there is a difference between the 1996 XJ I used them on and your 1998. The 96 has the cables at center of chassis above transmission. The 98 routes the cables along driver side of chassis, this makes one cable longer than the other. This is how the YJ is set up also. So on your 98 you may need each side cable rather than two passenger-side cables.

A properly functioning parking brake will gradually slow the vehicle down and stop it. However, the stopping distance will be more than twice that of the normal brake system.
Over 50% of stopping power comes from the front brakes. The park brake engages only the rear wheels.

Ever done an e-brake turn? It's amazing how fast the XJ will spin around. If you deploy the park brake very strongly while at highway speeds, you will likely lose control and it will happen too fast to correct. Use the brake gradually in emergency situations, keep the release button pushed so that brake pressure can be modulated.

Classic_xj98

awesome, i thought i remember reading they will only fit up to 6" of lift and have enough room for flexing and yea i've done e-brake turns, in my merc cougar and jetta tdi, probably be way to nervous to ever do it in a lifted jeep though lol i very rarely am an on the high way so i'm not worried about those speeds. just through town kinda thing, and that it'll pass inspection and what not.

Classic_xj98

so i was just lookin on rockauto for the e-brake cables you're talking about, and the right rear cable for the xj is a tiny bit longer than the 91 wranglers? is there something i'm missing or mistaken?