xj front discs on a rear 8.25?

ktmracer419 · 12-03-2005, 09:43 PM

well i have a couple parts xj's with almost brand new front brake setups. i would like to have rear discs in the back of my dd xj.

now everyone knows about using zj brakes, but do you think it would be possible to use an xj front disc setup on the rear axle? i know i'll have to do some home fabrication. But is there any reason this will not work/ would not be safe/will not be worth it?

and if it matters I have the chrysler 8.25.

thanks in advance

**EricsXJ** · 12-04-2005, 12:15 AM

The number one reason it won't work is the backing plate needed to mount the calipers is totally different than the front steering knuckles.

twisted_ed · 12-04-2005, 11:24 AM

i would also worry about the fact that when you do the Zj conversion unless you change the proportioning valve the calipers in the rear don't get as much fluid as they should, and the front calipers need substantially more fluid as they are alot bigger so even with the zj proportioning valve i wonder if they would get enough fluid to actually make a difference in braking. id stick with the zj setup and use the extra time and skills and money to swap in a master cylinder and propoting valve off the same year zj you robbed the brake parts from that way you will essentially have zj brakes on an zj (since according to my dealership both zjs and xjz used the same brakes up front) and you will be laughing since zjs ive been in stop so will with 4 wheel discs and the cherokee should be lighter.. as well

**MGrobe** · 12-04-2005, 01:04 PM

Also you will be left without an emergency brake. All in all I doubt it would be worth it. Sell your parts to help pay for a much easier ZJ setup.

ktmracer419 · 12-04-2005, 02:23 PM

i would like to find me a zj disc setup in good condition for not a ton of money. i'm just toying around with this idea, because i will be able to do it for cheap.

i think i will take a closer look at it once a warmer, less snowy day comes along

**Matt Gertsch** · 12-04-2005, 02:26 PM

If you have the tools to fabricate parts, you can adapt any disc setup to go onto your 8.25. It would be easier to get ZJ discs though. They bolt right on after you clearance the hole for the axle tube.

twisted_ed · 12-04-2005, 04:25 PM

like me you can get the crappyest looking bracket and dustsheild, it looked like crap all rusty and whatnot and others passed on it but it was the only parts available to me and once i sandblasted both the shield and brackets and painted them EXCEPT FOR THE MOUNTING SURFACES, you dont want to paint them they looked like new

12-04-2005, 11:24 AM	#3
twisted_ed Registered User Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Courtenay, British Columbia, Canada Posts: 1,357 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	i would also worry about the fact that when you do the Zj conversion unless you change the proportioning valve the calipers in the rear don't get as much fluid as they should, and the front calipers need substantially more fluid as they are alot bigger so even with the zj proportioning valve i wonder if they would get enough fluid to actually make a difference in braking. id stick with the zj setup and use the extra time and skills and money to swap in a master cylinder and propoting valve off the same year zj you robbed the brake parts from that way you will essentially have zj brakes on an zj (since according to my dealership both zjs and xjz used the same brakes up front) and you will be laughing since zjs ive been in stop so will with 4 wheel discs and the cherokee should be lighter.. as well __________________ 1990 Jeep Cherokee Laredo 4.0L Automatic Tranny NP242 Transfer case Dana 30 front, 35 custom rear differentials Mods: RE 4.5" Lift 32x11.50 BFGoodRich M/T KM's American Eagle 058 Polished Aluminum Wheels, 3.63" BS. Grand Cherokee Rear Disc Brake setup Custom Downpipe W/ Cat Removed. Dynomax Super Turbo Muffler. Surco Roof Rack My Jeep

12-04-2005, 04:25 PM	#7
twisted_ed Registered User Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Courtenay, British Columbia, Canada Posts: 1,357 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	like me you can get the crappyest looking bracket and dustsheild, it looked like crap all rusty and whatnot and others passed on it but it was the only parts available to me and once i sandblasted both the shield and brackets and painted them EXCEPT FOR THE MOUNTING SURFACES, you dont want to paint them they looked like new __________________ 1990 Jeep Cherokee Laredo 4.0L Automatic Tranny NP242 Transfer case Dana 30 front, 35 custom rear differentials Mods: RE 4.5" Lift 32x11.50 BFGoodRich M/T KM's American Eagle 058 Polished Aluminum Wheels, 3.63" BS. Grand Cherokee Rear Disc Brake setup Custom Downpipe W/ Cat Removed. Dynomax Super Turbo Muffler. Surco Roof Rack My Jeep