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Steering and brake upgrades


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WJ front brake/steering setup works great. I just put it on my YJ and love it. I'm planning to put it on my MJ when I convert to 4x4. Rear disc isn't easy. All have to be modified. I'm going to work on WJ and ZJ rear brakes after i convert the front and decide which one I'm going to make work.

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FWIW, I've been looking at rear disc options on my Dana 44 and by the time I do that along with the locker and regearing I want to do, it's cheaper to buy a complete disc brake Dana 44 from G2 with R&P and locker. If you want to do any other upgrades to your axle along with the brakes I'd recommend looking into this.

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FWIW, I've been looking at rear disc options on my Dana 44 and by the time I do that along with the locker and regearing I want to do, it's cheaper to buy a complete disc brake Dana 44 from G2 with R&P and locker. If you want to do any other upgrades to your axle along with the brakes I'd recommend looking into this.

 

Yeah, that can be the case.

 

I've ordered parts to attempt a 'more cheaper more simpler' D44 disk brake conversion.  There's a good chance I will fail at both things I'm attempting.

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It has a 4.5" lift with 33" tires so I was looking to see if I can get some of the play out of the steering with some sort of crossover steering. If I have a lift does that mean the steering geometry is bad?

Do wj knuckles have to be modified to work on a MJ?

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I am doing the WJ brake on an XJ. You year would be the same. Someone has done an upgrade with the older AMC knuckles, and no weld. I have the parts, just no time, and need the XJ running now. I did weld on the spacers (1/4). Also, bought some WJ lower ball joints. The XJ/ZJ ones are a loose fit. I think the stock steering would work. The WJ knuckle, passenger side, has an extra arm. I did look into modifying the WJ steering. It was cheaper to get a RuffStuff upgrade kit. Also, I've read that the WJ setup will crack with heavy off road use. The Ruff Stuff is way over built. It uses Chevy ends. You will either need to get the Chevy reamer or the inserts. I am going under the knuckle instead of OTK. I do have 4.5 lift. The are Chevy type kits, that are a 'Y' type, also.

       Also, you will need the '00-01 XJ or Wrangler hub bearings. I did buy '07-08 Nitro Front rotors. No drill, no turning. By my measurements direct fit, about a 1/16 less radius. Still, I haven't completed this yet. Need to get my Contour running first.

Also, the steering dampner. I plan to use the stock location on the axel, and use a Chevy 'type clamp on the steering tubes. Another thing is the track bar. I will try the stock layout. Iron Rock makes a bracket that goes on top of the axle. I might go that route sometime.

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It has a 4.5" lift with 33" tires so I was looking to see if I can get some of the play out of the steering with some sort of crossover steering. If I have a lift does that mean the steering geometry is bad?

 

It might not be ideal, but I don't think I'd call it bad.  I'm guessing if you have excessive play it is because of something else.  Worn out steering box (can be adjusted if you dare), worn TREs, ball joints, worn track bar or control arm bushings/bearings, etc.

 

If you do the WJ knuckle and crossover setup you will need to change how the track bar mounts on one or both ends.  Which isn't a bad thing, the axle side mount was put rather low from the factory.

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OP I'm running the typical 95-96 XJ Dual diaphragm booster/ master cylinder set up, Russell steel braided brake lines and did the leveling valve delete swap for a manually adjustable valve and I really cannot imagine my brakes being better, they are rock solid. As far as steering I have a Borgeson steering shaft, ZJ quick ratio gear box,  JKS Heavy duty Tie Rod, KOR Heavy duty steering stabilizer, KOR steering gear box brace and the Iron Rock Offroad Tow bar. It seems like many of the items I've installed are way over kill but they've made a very noticeable improvement in steering response, ride and even handling.

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