Jeep Cherokee Forum

Jeep Grand Cherokee 1993-2004: Brake Modifications

Learn what mods can be the best way to go when it comes to your Jeep's brakes with the help of this article.

By Jerry Perez - September 30, 2015

This article applies to the Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ/ZJ (1993-2004).

Most drivers would agree on two things: that a little extra power doesn't hurt, and that at some point you will have to slow down. When it's time slow down, it never hurts to have the best brakes your budget can get, and that's why brake mods are common within Jeep owners—to make sure you have extra stopping power on and off road. While other types of modifications are only cosmetic, the ones in this guide will most definitely enhance your braking performance. We've compiled this guide with the most common brake modifications for the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Brake Modifications

For the Jeep Grand Cherokee between the years 1993 to 2004, there are various modifications you can perform to upgrade your brakes. These outline the most common modifications performed by Jeep enthusiasts.

Figure 1. High performance brakes.

Rear Disc Brakes

DIY Cost – $80-$300 for parts

Professional Cost – $130-$180 for labor and $180-$450 for parts

Skill Level – Moderate; this job requires automotive repair experience.

Up until the early 2000's, Jeeps were outfitted with front disc brakes and rear drum brakes. Drum brakes offer decent but inferior braking performance to that of a disc brake. You can modify your rear brakes and remove the drum brakes to install a set of discs as well as calipers to the back, giving your Jeep a 4-wheel disc brake setup. This will aid in better braking performance under all weather conditions, as well as make it easy to service by having the same parts on all four-wheels. Jeep owners that have upgraded their rear brakes to discs are quite pleased with the results. This install may require some specialty tools and brake system knowledge. Recommended for its braking performance under all weather conditions.

Upgrade Brake Pads

DIY Cost – $25-$60 for parts

Professional Cost – $100-$130 for labor and $80-$200 for parts

Skill Level – Easy; no specialty tools or previous automotive repair experience needed.

Brake pads are the parts that fit inside of your front brake calipers. Brake pads are applied when you step on the brakes and the pads bite the spinning brake rotor in order to slow you down. Upgrading your brake pads is the cheapest and easiest way to upgrade your braking performance. You can choose from various compounds and kids of brake pads, which no only help you brake better, they also produce less brake dust. So, that means better performance and cleaner wheels. Recommended for its brake performance with less brake dust.

Upgrade Front Brake Rotors

DIY Cost – $50-$300 for parts

Professional Cost – $110-$150 for labor and $150-$400 for parts

Skill Level – Easy; no special tools or previous automotive repair experience required.

After the brake pads, brake rotors are one of the most important components of the braking system. Brake rotors not only have to be balanced and ready to grip onto the brake pads, but they have to dissipate enormous amounts of heat under braking. Therefore, upgrading to vented or cross-drilled rotors can make a big difference in braking performance. Upgrading your rotors is a simple job and requires only swapping out existing rotors for new ones. Most Jeep owners that have performed this modifications find it extremely worthwhile. Recommended for its brake performance and easy installation.

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