Topic: Drum to disc conversion dana 44 (Read 4555 times)

IrishCJ6 · « **on:** February 10, 2013, 03:53:16 PM »

Has anyone over this side of the pond done a drum to disc conversion on their narrow track rear Dana 44 (CJ). If so what parts did you use? and was it worth it? I was contemplating doing this as my drums are getting a hard time with mud and dirty water and I'm sick of cleaning them out and replacing shoes. I know you can buy kits from the US but they aren't cheap and shipping is expensive also. As we don't have a lot of US vehicles in wreckers have you been able to find other vehicles to use as donors.

Any info or suggestions are welcomed.

Cockney Boy · « **Reply #1 on:** February 10, 2013, 04:04:33 PM »

There's been a few discussions on here and I did the expensive route and got an SSBC from the states and Bubba fitted it. But I think Warthog has some bracket templates so you can fit some standard calipers.

dtooth · « **Reply #2 on:** February 10, 2013, 04:09:54 PM »

On my xj 44 rear axle I used Zj discs, rover 820 calipers/pads and a 10mm homemade plate that bolts on. modded the xj handbrake cables .

Run a zj master cylinder and distribution block with a late model servo

MOCAJ · « **Reply #3 on:** February 10, 2013, 04:14:44 PM »

like cocker knee i have an expensive ssbc kit

i do believe there is an option with VW dics too

Cockney Boy · « **Reply #4 on:** February 10, 2013, 04:45:57 PM »

Money aside, it's by far the best mod you could do to a Jeep

IrishCJ6 · « **Reply #5 on:** February 10, 2013, 04:59:49 PM »

I have a SSBC front conversion on mine, it was there when I brought it but the only thing I've found is they use odd ball rotors and you can't find them easily. When I rang them to find out what they were off they said they were SSBC specials and I had to buy them from them. They wanted nearly $300 US to supply and ship one rotor. After months of searching I tracked down one and only had to increase the centre hole. If possible I would like to use more easily sourced parts for this one.

bigjeepzj · « **Reply #6 on:** February 10, 2013, 07:32:34 PM »

got say this just buy a ZJ and you get disks all round

Quote from: dtooth on February 10, 2013, 04:09:54 PM

On my xj 44 rear axle I used Zj discs, rover 820 calipers/pads and a 10mm homemade plate that bolts on. modded the xj handbrake cables .

Run a zj master cylinder and distribution block with a late model servo

MOCAJ · « **Reply #7 on:** February 10, 2013, 07:35:23 PM »

everybody loves the truck they drive but that is sad

bigjeepzj · « **Reply #8 on:** February 10, 2013, 08:00:06 PM »

i know couldn't help my self
sorry

MOCAJ · « **Reply #9 on:** February 10, 2013, 08:02:44 PM »

no probs dave, my wife drives a volvo C70, discs all round, i suppose she would say the same

IrishCJ6 · « **Reply #10 on:** February 11, 2013, 07:25:26 AM »

Ok guys back on the topic of conversions

so my best bet is to contact Warthog and see if he still has the template and what he used as calipers/rotors?

chrisjones · « **Reply #11 on:** February 11, 2013, 09:50:36 AM »

There's a guy on the Mindy forum who had adapter plates made to use Zuk or Rover rear calipers.
Not sure if he has any left but it might be worth investigating. Mindys use 19 spline D44s front and back.

IrishCJ6 · « **Reply #12 on:** February 11, 2013, 01:59:01 PM »

Thanks for that but I believe they use 2 piece axles and are very different to the later 44, I could be wrong. Have you got a link to the Mindy site? i did a quick search and nothing was found?

I've had a fairly good look into this now, I think I can do it using VW Transporter rear calipers (include handbrake, vented and right size) and Suzuki Vitara front discs (vented 294mm or same as VW Transporter rears). That would give me the right std pattern, handbrake and readily available parts. The only thing now to do is source the bracket info.

chrisjones · « **Reply #13 on:** February 11, 2013, 02:04:49 PM »

PM Lornaben on here.

He'll be able to tell you whether they will work on the later axle or not.

wildwood · « **Reply #14 on:** February 11, 2013, 03:00:36 PM »

I think Mike Cuff 'Cuffy' did this.....either on here or J33P worth a PM

IrishCJ6 · « **Reply #15 on:** February 11, 2013, 03:21:27 PM »

Ok will do guys,

Looks like Suzuki Vitara 91 - 00 1.6 petrol disc and Vauxhall Vectra 02-onwards rear calipers are a better combination

cj5woody · « **Reply #16 on:** February 11, 2013, 07:46:07 PM »

Hi folks
on my `74 CJ5 used Suzuki SJ rotors,same bolt pattern,just chamfeured rear of holes to get them to sit down properly. Granada rear callipers,these are the same on the later ugly one.
Used handbrake and cables,made brackets to mount,
Never been totally happy with it,original foot operated park brake would not apply enough effort to achieve MOT pass figures so had to use cable and lever off ford. Prior to fitting this I fitted front outer knuckles, discs and a master cylinder of a later CJ7. My next move is to change the master cylinder and proportioning valve to ones intended for disc disc.
And at the same time fit servo.Drum brakes retain some pressure in line which is easily over ridden by brake return springs, but if not gotten rid of causes premature pad wear.
And I think this is my main problem ?[attachment=1]

cuffm · « **Reply #17 on:** February 11, 2013, 08:47:52 PM »

Wildwood is correct, my old D44 was fitted with CJ brake discs and VW transporter calipers. Front D30 used CJ brake calipers and Chevvy calipers. Stand TJ brake server/proportioning valve worked fine.

Cuffy

IrishCJ6 · « **Reply #18 on:** February 11, 2013, 08:55:42 PM »

Were the CJ rotors the standard 1 3/16" thick ones?

The VW transporter calipers, were they the ones with or without the handbrake?

Was the bracket bolted to the flange or welded to the tube?

No chance that you have the bracket pattern?

charlie jeep · « **Reply #19 on:** February 12, 2013, 10:57:33 AM »

I have Mike's old axle - if you need any measurements/specs let me know but be quick cause it wont be in my shed too much longer and I 'd rather measure and photo in the dry shed than on a wet, cold drive!

IrishCJ6 · « **Reply #20 on:** February 12, 2013, 01:16:10 PM »

Any chance of the measurements on the caliper bracket, anything you can get would be appreciated

Lornaben · « **Reply #21 on:** February 12, 2013, 01:30:18 PM »

Quote from: chrisjones on February 11, 2013, 02:04:49 PM

PM Lornaben on here.

He'll be able to tell you whether they will work on the later axle or not.

It should fit but you would have to source a handbrake caliper. Mindies have transmission brakes so no need for handbrake type calipers.
The conversion uses Zook Jimny discs and calipers.

IrishCJ6 · « **Reply #22 on:** February 12, 2013, 01:39:52 PM »

Ok no worries mate, I may have found a guy in the US that has templates for the D44 and AMC 20, if I get them I'll let you guys know how I get on.

Author Topic: Drum to disc conversion dana 44 (Read 4555 times)

Cockney Boy

dtooth

Cockney Boy

charlie jeep