Rubicon vs Unlimited Parking Brake Cable

SantaAnaSlim · 12-14-2009, 09:35 AM

I just did a rubicon axle swap in my TJ Sport. The cables that came with the axle seem REALLY long. I'm guessing the rubicon axle came out of an LJ, which would account for the extra length. I'm trying to find the correct part number to get the correct length, but I'm seeing (on RockAuto.com) that the AC/DELCO part says it's the same for the rubicon and unlimited, which makes me wonder if the LJ and TJ used the same cables and I'm just nuts.

Any one know if the LJ does in fact use longer cables or maybe I just need to route them a certain way. Anyone have pics of a TJ rubicon's axle with the cables in place?

Thanks.

**Benderff** · 12-14-2009, 10:16 AM

You can make them out towards the end of the write-up. They have a big bow to allow movement. If you posted a pic that would help.

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f9/ho...e-swap-901419/

SantaAnaSlim · 12-14-2009, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Benderff

You can make them out towards the end of the write-up. They have a big bow to allow movement. If you posted a pic that would help.

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f9/ho...e-swap-901419/

That's funny. I referenced your post many times during my swap. Great write up by the way. I actually just took the cables off because they seemed too long. I have an auto so I don't really ever use the parking brake while driving around town. I do, of course, want to get them installed (or get new ones) before I get back on the trails. I certainly COULD use the ones I have. They just seemed so long I didn't want to route them incorrectly and have them get bunched up or pinched.

**Benderff** · 12-14-2009, 11:49 AM

Can you post a pic? They are pretty long. The axle I bought didn't come with the lines so I had to buy them. They are hard to find and cost to much.

SantaAnaSlim · 12-14-2009, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Benderff

Can you post a pic? They are pretty long. The axle I bought didn't come with the lines so I had to buy them. They are hard to find and cost to much.

I'm not home now, but I'll take some pics when I get home. Perhaps I'm just crazy and they are the right size. I'd like to see how they are routed on a disc brake setup. I'm pretty sure the drum cables were not as long, though I didn't measure, so I don't know for sure. I'm just eye-balling it.

Thanks,
Slim

**mrblaine** · 12-14-2009, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SantaAnaSlim

I just did a rubicon axle swap in my TJ Sport. The cables that came with the axle seem REALLY long. I'm guessing the rubicon axle came out of an LJ, which would account for the extra length. I'm trying to find the correct part number to get the correct length, but I'm seeing (on RockAuto.com) that the AC/DELCO part says it's the same for the rubicon and unlimited, which makes me wonder if the LJ and TJ used the same cables and I'm just nuts.

Any one know if the LJ does in fact use longer cables or maybe I just need to route them a certain way. Anyone have pics of a TJ rubicon's axle with the cables in place?

Thanks.

The Unlimited does indeed use longer cables. I've ordered and used them several times when I've done a wheelbase increase. The stock Rubi cables are shorter and what I use when I do a disc brake swap on a TJ.

camper49 · 12-14-2009, 02:55 PM

These are the only useful (?) pictures I have...TJ rubicon rear dana 44. I ended up removing the factory brackets that fasten the cables to the control arms. I'd be surprised if the unlimited cable is different than the short wheelbase TJ. According to rockauto.com, they're the same part no.

You need cable length when the axle drops. Route them so that the control arms can swing without interference.

Disc brakes do use a different cable than the typical drum brakes....you need the eye hook on the end of the cable at the backing plate. At the Y-junction under the tub, both drum and disc brake style cables are the same spring clip attachment.

edit: mrblaine beat me to it...he would know best....

SantaAnaSlim · 12-15-2009, 09:58 AM

I took the cables off because I felt there was too much extra cable when I had them installed. I took a picture, though I dont think it'll really help anyone. I should have measured them. I wonder if there's anyone with a rubicon doing a Long Arm conversion that would want to swap cables with me.

**Benderff** · 12-15-2009, 12:19 PM

I can't say for sure without a way to compare them, but from you picture I don't think they are long. When you look at campers pictures above you can see how far they go. Try attaching them and see how they compare.

My cables looked really long as well.

**mrblaine** · 12-15-2009, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SantaAnaSlim

I took the cables off because I felt there was too much extra cable when I had them installed. I took a picture, though I dont think it'll really help anyone. I should have measured them. I wonder if there's anyone with a rubicon doing a Long Arm conversion that would want to swap cables with me.

Long arms don't change where the axle sits. Wheelbase does and the Unlimited has the same tub from the doors forward and a longer wheelbase.

SantaAnaSlim · 12-15-2009, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrblaine

Long arms don't change where the axle sits. Wheelbase does and the Unlimited has the same tub from the doors forward and a longer wheelbase.

Yeah but it does change how far the axle travels downward doesnt it? That would require longer cables, no?

I'll slap these bad boys in there and see what it looks like...

lionrenegade · 01-28-2011, 06:24 AM

I wnt them if they fit on 1998 drum brakes because ine are short what is the lenght from braket to braket?

lionrenegade · 01-28-2011, 06:29 AM

I want them if they fit on Dana 44 of 1998 TJ. What is the lenght braket to braket?