Let's talk about TJ brakes

[gorilla_skater]

So... The stock TJ brakes are inadequate with 37's. I've tried various OTC pads that claim to stop better, but nope. It's a needed upgrade in general, but specifically if we drive cross country, being able to stop would be good.

Options I'm considering

1. Black Magic Brake pads and Centric rotors - People on the forum's say they can lock up their 35's
2. Big Brake kit (fka Vanco) - 16" super kit comes with
          Left and Right Steering Knuckles, New without Brackets
          Left and Right Large 54mm Dual Piston Calipers
          Black Magic Brake Pads
          Centric Premium Rotors, Pre-Drilled with Centering Rings
          A Larger Master Cylinder with 1 1/16 Bore.
3. WJ knuckles and brakes

They say that Mr. Blaine won't sell you something you don't need, so I sent an email asking if just pads and rotors would be OK.  We'll see.

Any other options or experience with these? I believe Johny and Jason have the bug brake kit?

 

[2ndgearhero]

I am trying to remember what axle you went with but I can only speak to the WJ brake option: I like them and lot.  They are able to slow my 35's down like they were 31's.  But it took some minor fabrication to get them to work on the HP 30:  You need to drill out the WJ rotors to match the bolt pattern of the dana 30 hubs.  Then you will need to weld hub extensions onto the knuckle because the XJ axle shafts are 1/4" too long.  I just welded on caliper bracket extensions a few weeks ago to finish the setup.

The knuckles are cast iron, so you need to heat them up before you weld or you could crack them.

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[joe98tj]

Hate to sound like one of his fan boys on the TJ forum but that Blaine guy sells some top quality stuff to the TJ crowd. I'd go with whatever he recommends to ya.

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[Horn]

I have the big version with the knuckle change.    Right now it’s set up for the smaller rotors for 15” wheels but it has a different bolt hole that can be used for larger rotors. I also have the stock master cylinder.  I don’t remember a larger one being an option when I did mine about 4 years ago. I’ve never panic stopped with the 35s, but the difference over stock with my 33s was impressive.  I have locked up the 33s with a heavy hitch rack of firewood logs strapped to it when a deer ran out in front of the Jeep once and it slid impressively straight.  The stock brakes could have never done that.  They were really weak with the 33s.

 

[RedJeepster1]

I’ve been running the WJ knuckles and brakes for six or so years now. Even with cheap parts store pads and rotors I can lock up the tires on my XJ. I was cheap and bought an earlier WJ axle axle with Teeves calipers. Don’t make that mistake if you go the WJ route. I end up changing out a caliper every year or two due to one hanging up and dragging. The later Akabono calipers are supposed to be a much better design and are the same size.


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[A new level]

I can only speak for my chonk boi JK but doing the Crown big brake kit that converts the front to Dodge 1500 stops my 37s very well. IMO with a tire that size you simply need more leverage.

 

[YJScrounge]

Obviously none of you have ridden an old Harley - brakes, now that's just funny...

 

[Pete]

What if you just did the master?  I put the Ram 2500 one in my Jeep, bolted up and the lines even transferred over.  Would just the larger master with a larger piston give more braking power?

 

[JohnyPro]

I’ve got the Vanco big brake kit with centric discs and black magic pads. Works great for Qs for over a decade! I’d highly recommend, worth every penny with the new knuckles for added strength.

 

[beaker]

Dana 60 with 1 ton brakes, stops on 37s like a vette

 

[clarkie]

What if you just did the master?  I put the Ram 2500 one in my Jeep, bolted up and the lines even transferred over.  Would just the larger master with a larger piston give more braking power?

Swapping one part sounds better than swapping all the brakes, maybe there is a good solution right there.
However, I believe a master with a larger piston has the opposite effect and actually decreases psi while increasing volume.

 

[gorilla_skater]

Following up on this... I just pulled the trigger on the Black Magic Brakes 17" Big Brake kit. I waited because the 17" was out of stock. Mr. Blaine just emailed me and let me know they are back in stock.

https://blackmagicbrakes.com/ols/products/vanco-17-big-brake-kit-with-bmb-pads-for-17-rims

 

[joe98tj]

Nice! people really like that kit

 

[harryhood]

That's a nice kit!

 

[gorilla_skater]

Nice! people really like that kit

That's a nice kit!

Thanks. For the money, it better do a handstand lol.

 

[MattG]

Can’t put a price on safety…

 

[YJScrounge]

Nice!

 

[BC Miller]

Sometimes the ability to stop isn't appreciated until you really need to.  Looks like a nice kit.  The "big brake" upgrade I put on my Jeep was one of the best mods I made.

 

[gorilla_skater]

The 17" Big Brake Kit arrived today from BMB.

First off, the stuff is packed incredibly well.

It's all there, and it's massive. For reference, the red caliper is from a rear Dana 44.

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[JeepinMaxx]

That looks like a really complete kit!  Calipers look huge