brake issues, sugestions plz

[irish1371]

Welp I have a 98 tj with 49k original miles. Everything is in great shape on this rig, but I guess time is getting to some of the seals. I am having an issue with my front calipers. they seem to be dragging. Not all the time but just here and there, then when the rig sets for a few hrs it stops. I figure the caliper seals are about done. I figure the seal is letting the piston hang up and not return.

I have always wanted to upgrade the brakes. I will be dropping new axles under the rig this year and need some input on which brake upgrades work, which don't and what to watch out for.

I will be wanting to go disc at all 4 corners

Thanks for the help

[Jeffb_79]

How much are you looking to spend?
Vanco is the brake upgrade that I hear about the most... aside from just replacing the calipers and going to be a better pad.

[irish1371]

I'm willing to drop about up to a grand. In the end I will be running 35' with 4:88 gears and pulling a home made mil style trailer(camping gear holder). I am also interested if any of these brake kits would have issues with a tie rod flip. I wouldn't think a flip would cause an issue but I guess ya never know.

[crazy4ink]

To answer your question with a question; what axles are you planning on upgrading to? There are a lot of upgrades you can do with oddball parts but a lot of it will comes down to the axles you are wanting/planning on dropping in. There is no reason to do a high-speed brake upgrade to an axle that you are taking out in the near future.

[irish1371]

I'm looking at the new d44's HP units from dyna front and rear.

Does Van have a web site with brake options? All the threads I have seem about them or from van or blain never had a link in them

[Ricky Booby]

Why not go with a WJ brake setup on the front? You can run 15" wheels, depending on the back spacing, or you can run 16" wheels, just to be on the safe side. You will need the knuckles, calipers, rotors from a WJ. The rotors will have to be redrilled to 5 on 4.5 (if you don't go with another BP). Then you will need a 1/4 spacer from JKS to be welded to the knuckle to get the u joint centered. Kinda hard to explain. I will find a write up on it. Mostly a direct swap.

Bobby

[irish1371]

cool thanks I will be going to 5x5 and manual hubs when I switch axles. want to stay with a 15" rim, but the selection of newer tires is making me lean twards 16" rims

[Ricky Booby]

the WJ is already at 5 on 5. There you go. One step closer.

[ColoFreeJeeper]

If you were staying with 5 on 4 1/2 I would recommend factory Rubi rear discs on a D44. That's what I'm doing and I was able to piece it all together using a combination of OEM and aftermarket parts for a completely factory set up. Let me know if you want the MOPAR part numbers and how to find the rear caliper hose/tube assemblies.

[Jeffb_79]

If you're going to be swapping axles, save your money. Replace the calipers and throw new pads on it.