Axel question about drum/disc breaks...

[ChiGuy82]

So, I was talking to a guy who restored his 64 jeep CJ-5 and it had drum brakes like my 1952 M38A1. Long story sort, it was wet, and he flipped his jeep and totaled it.

He said to invest in, at least, front disc breaks for the jeep if I was going to restore it.

What do you guys think? What is the best option if I do get front disc breaks? How much? From where? Etc?

Thanks,
Mike

[wesk]

Properly functioning brakes do not flip jeeps. Driver handling of the jeep does the majority of the flipping. It is a common reaction when we exceed our limits or the jeep's limits to say "if we had more or better of this it would not have happened". People today with no experience with non-power steering and non-power brake equipped classic vehicles generally overdrive their jeep's capabilities and rely on their modest 9" brakes as they would the brakes and steering in their 2010 Mustang. Yes it is a foolish thing to do but then most of us can claim the foolish title at least once in out lives.

The stock 9" brakes are more than adequate for the stock M38 and M38A1.

If you are building a stock M38/M38A1 and want good brakes then you must rebuild them properly. Correct all defects the system has. IE corroded brake lines, leaking wheel cylinders, leaking or bypassing master cylinder, worn shoes, worn brake drums and incorrect adjustments. Pedal play and rod travel are very important. Correct brake shoe to drum clearance after a rebuild is essential to proper brake operation. If you turn the drums and remove material you must shim the brake shoe linings to move the shoe closer to the larger drum's new inside diameter.

The simple improvement in the interest of safety is a dual master cylinder

If you modify your jeep say with an overdrive, higher gearing, big tires or bigger engine then you must re-think your brake system.

Jumping immediately into front discs is not always a good idea. Compare your brake needs to the options that are out there. 11" drum brake jeep upgrade all around. Disc front and 11" drum rears. 4 wheel discs. Power assist. These are all expensive and require some serious mechanical aptitude, skill and tools to install. Disc upgrades require correct disc type master cylinders and proportioning systems as well.

[GPA]

You can flip over any car no matter what kind of brakes you have. Think about originality too. Moses Ludel has a book with lots of modification ideas in it. The V-6 Dauntless engined CJ-5 was equipped with 10" brakes.