I did the conversion using ZJ components back in 2016. I'm running 15" rims with 4.25" of backspace with no issues. I may have even ran stock rims a while before getting the new rims but can't be certain.
As far as doing the conversion other than opening the ZJ backing plates a bit with a Dremel and switching out the proportioning valve parts it was plug and play.

 

Well 4.25" pushes it out even farther than 4.5" so that would make sense. I'm concerned about the factory 5.25" hitting the calipers.

I get the opening the hole a bit, but I keep hearing about parking brake re-routing, using different cables and having to reroute brake lines and hoses. None of that is true?

 

When I did my own conversion I test fit a Ford Range 14 in alloy wheel & it fit with no issues.
As far as plug & play it’s about as easy as it gets even if you have to open up the hole a little.
I used the stock e brake cables & a cable clamp. I also reused the stock soft brake lines.
It is a very simple swap.
Do yourself a favor and get Liberty backing plates. Direct bolt on.

 

I'm going to check with my local yard to see if I need to buy the complete diff or if I can pull the axles, etc and get just the parts I need.

Or...if you decide to pick some up again, let me know.

 

As BD said it's about as easy as it gets. The parking brake equalizer is centered on my '96 so both cables are the same. I bought a set from RT Off Road. Your equalizer is offset but I'm almost certain some here have bought a set that works. Like BD I used the existing brake lines. Using a tubing bender I tweeked the metal lines until I could clamp them to the rear sway bar bracket mount.
If you want I can check factory 15" steel rim clearance. Also I don't know if your aware or not but you'll need to change out the lug studs for ZJ ones if using ZJ components. Don't know about the Liberty conversion though.
To me at least it's a well worth mod.

 

I'm taking notes in my "master file." I have the studs noted.

I guess I'll see once I'm into it how I'll need to tweak the lines and how I will clamp it. I may see if I can make a bracket to attach to one (or two) of the spring U-bolts.

I did find a couple NAPA parking brake cables that someone said would work. Again, I'll wait until I'm in the thick of it unless someone comes along and and says, "yes PN 95963 and 95969 are the correct cable you need.

On another note, I finally got all the contaminated fluid out of the system. I have done a lot of brake jobs in my lifetime and I have never seen such bad fluid ever. Brown, black, foamy, full of tons of particulates. I took apart the proportioning valve and the master cylinder and cleaned everything out until it was spotless. I also blew the lines out with air. Still got some junk when I bled the rear brakes. I went through a quart of fluid to get a nice clean system with no air and a firm pedal.

I was going to wait until I did the conversion, but I just couldn't leave that fluid in there when I just replaced everything up front.

 

Here are cables for a '97-'01 XJ with disc conversion. Click "please select" for the left rear. Got mine at RT Off-Road. Same manufacturer (Crown Automotive).
https://www.quadratec.com/p/crown-au...ake-conversion

As far as that fluid goes I wonder if someone had to use contaminated fluid in a pinch?

 

Thanks. I added the part numbers to my "book".

Yeah, it was strange. It would have take some real neglect and/or some tough luck in the field to get fluid that dirty.

 

I would but it’s too damn hot down here right now. Hopefully some day it will cool off.

 

I get that! It's been pretty warm up here too. No hurry on my part. I have other priorities in front of that project anyway.

 

David...I have a MJ rear D-44 I want to install in my 1993 XJ after changing the spring perches. I would love to change to ZJ Disc brakes! Can you still get the parts? Price? What else do I need besides the rotors and new pads? Thanks!

 

David...You can text or call me at 805 636-7784. About once a week I check email at garyvm48#gmail.com. Thanks!

 

I really only need the back plates from the ZJ, I can get everything else.

 

Not selling these ATM.
Too hot to get them.
I’ll try to goer some this fall/winter.
TY

 

Hi, would love to get a kit from you once you get one in. I’m lease let me know.

thank you!