When doing my rear brake conversion on my 98 XJ, I did a lot of research on the solution for the parking brake cables. There aren't really any videos out there showing this piece of the conversion. Some online threads have people using clamps on the original parking brake cable, and there is an option for the Crown Auto brake cable set, which has a lot of problems with the length.

I found this kit on Amazon. It was less than $50 and I thought I would give it a try. Just want to say that it works great, is easy to install and solved all of the dilemma's that others posted about having. Just wanted to share it with those of you considering the conversion as a viable option.

 

Options are nice.

I did the, hook the factory cable over the ear & cable clamped it on my first conversation. The second one I used Crown cables & I had no issues with them.

 

I thought KJ cables were the solution.

 

I tried the Crown Cables and the lengths of the protruding cable from the sheath are off too much to get them to engage equally. Saw a lot of threads on that same complaint. Glad it worked for you.

 

I had seen some people claim to use the KJ cables successfully, but a lot of others that said it didn't work at all. It was too hit and miss for me to mess with. I wouldn't rule it out, just throwing out another option that I thought was a nice find.

 

I found the KJ cables were WAY too long. You could probably make them work but I didn’t want them to interfere or hang up on anything when off-road.

 

Another dream shattered, obviously I'd only seen the +ive posts.
Just glad I didn't order the ZJ rear brake overhaul kit when it came up at an acceptable price.

 

I am currently working on an axle, doing the KJ disc brake swap. Does this kit utilize the same type e-brake cable connections? Which swap did you install? The KJ E-brake lever on the backing plate is actuated by a rectangular piece held in place by a substantial spring. You can see that cable here:

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...t=1696&jsn=433

I would rather not have the KJ passenger side cable, as it is waaaaaay long.

Thanks,

Todd

 

Hi Todd. It does have the connector for the parking brake lever., that's what the silver colored plates are in the photo. It doesn't come with springs, but I used the springs from the stock cables and cut them down a bit to help push the lever back when the brake is released as an additional measure.

When I get a chance, I will throw up some photos of how it all looks if I get a day where it isn't raining. I did have to do some modification to the stock setup for combining the passenger/driver side cable to the single cable pull that I can show as well.

 

Looking forward to the pics, if it's not still raining.....

 

Todd

Here are a few photos of the install with this kit. Sorry it took a couple of days for me to have time to get them.
My axle is a Dana 44 from a 87 XJ and I used the Teraflex disc brake swap kit on the rear. The cables they recommended just did not work. I believe the brake parts are actually the same as a late 90's Ford Explorer .

I cut the bolt end off of the OE Parking brake connector underneath the driver side as shown in the first picture and used the hardware that came with the kit to attach to single cable. The cables are held in by two set screws for each cable. On the axle end, I used the springs from the OE cables and cut them down a bit to fit properly. I did this a small piece at a time, test fitting it several times before I felt comfortable with the length of the compression spring.

 

I still haven't figured out why so many make themselves go through this mess yo install disc brakes when they dont work any better that good drumb brakes..

 

When properly adjusted yes, key word is properly.

I did it because I hate messing with drum brakes & discs are so much easier to maintain, IMHO.

Also, I figured that if I ever snapped an axle shaft off-road, the disc brake pad would help keep the axle from sliding out.

 

Keeping the wheel on the rig with a broken shaft is virtually the only benifit to discs. I ran a broken 27sp 8.25 shaft for about 50 miles on the freeway.
it made it.
i stepped up to 29 shafts after that.

yes disc are cleaner easier to work but a big headache getting there.

i have not found them to work better. Took me about 2 years to collect the disc parts finally got them on and was like they still suck.

 

I have to say that my experience (other than the parking brake) has been different. I have had noticeably improved braking quality with the rear discs than I did with "properly" adjusted drum brakes. Not huge, but noticeable. Additionally, less debris in the drum to bugger things up as well as the elimination of the springs and slave cylinders that create chaos when they go bad unexpectedly. Calipers are much easier to work on, especially when on a trail. To each his own I guess. I bought a kit to do mine, since it is a Dana 44 and didn't want to mess with all of the modifications needed to get other vehicle systems to fit. Never worry about the wheel falling of due to damaged shaft.