I am finishing the first stage of my Jeep. It has D44's front and rear with 35's. I currently have manual brakes (disc front and drum rear) and it stops like... well it really just slows down, it doesn't stop. I have all new brakes and have bled it three times, so I am guessing it is the manual brakes poor performance. I know how to bleed brakes so please don't suggest it is that they are not bled and I have checked for leaks, there does not seem to be any.

My question is: What booster and m/c would be a good upgrade in my 85 CJ? I have a booster and m/c from an 88 or 89 Wrangler, but I don't know what the bore comparison is in the m/c. I realize power brakes would be better, but if the bore is smaller it won't do much good. I would like to keep the drum rear b/c I made the mistake of buying them a couple of months ago new for the Scout rear and ended paying an arm and a leg, should have just gone to disc, but I can't afford it now.

So what are my best options? use the Wrangler booster and m/c? or is there another choice? can I use the Wrangler booster with a different m/c that is better?

I will politely refer you to the SEARCH function. Brakes have been covered so many times it makes my eyes bleed to think about it.

Hey bigdude, I had searched, but all I was getting was dual disc bullshit with the 'ol camaro/corvette m/c answer. So, I took your advice and ventured back through 'till I found your answer: Ford E350. Personally, I feel it would have been easier and quicker for the both of us if you just typed in "keep the YJ booster and get a E350 m/c," but that is just my opinion. Thanks for the E350 tip and I will return the favor, if your eyes are bleeding from thinking maybe you shouldn't think so hard.
Thanks Bigdude.

What about the '86 Suburban w/JD7 brakes that Smasher mentioned, has anybody used this m/c?

I picked up a HB unit from a 76 Eldorado in the bondyard for $25... slight mods to retrofit (into my waggie)... but overall my vac booster wasn't cuttin it with 38's...I can lock up now... runs off the PS pump and love it..

Originally posted by diiulio


What about the '86 Suburban w/JD7 brakes that Smasher mentioned, has anybody used this m/c?

I looked at some chevy master cylinders and the ones from the 1-ton vans etc. will not fit a YJ booster. Ford does fit a YJ booster and that's why I used it.

I have 38's and can lock them up also:p

Are your bleeders on the calipers on top?
calipers can be put on backwards!!!

Don

. :eek:

Okay,
Everyone thanks for the info. I am in the process of going back to Rochester to work on the Jeep and will be picking up an E350 m/c.
So, my next question is what is the best way to make sure my booster works? I don't want to set everything up and then realize the booster is bad and then having to get another one and resetting everything up again.

I am putting it together today, but what should I connect to on the engine side for the vacuum? Should I use a line off the carb or somewhere on the intake?

Big port an the back of the carb

should be threded

Yup,
That is what I used, but the PCV valve was already there so I put a tee there and split it. I took it for a drive and it did not turn out great. I can't even lock them up at 5 mph. I bled it a bunch of times so I am not thinking there is any air in the system because the pedal is hard at half way and can't go any farther.
So, I thought maybe I was not getting enough vacuum and measured about 8 inches of vacuum. I measured another port and got 20, and my vacuum gauge goes to about 25. So, I tried to go to home depot to get a fitting with 3/8", but of course no luck.
Am I getting too little vacuum? or is there something I am over looking?

I went to a plumbing store and they had the fitting with the correct flare in there special parts bin so I was able to use the fitting on the intake right below the carb and the brakes work much better now. The 8 inches of vacuum was not enough and the 20 inches work great. It stops great, but I still can't lock up the wheels. I don't know if I will ever be able to lock up the wheels, but right now is a bad time for me so this project may be on hold for a week b/c my father is in the hospital again and I am suppose to be leaving for Cali on sunday.

Bigdude, thanks again for your help.

Try slamming the pedal as hard as possible at about 30 mph, I bet they'll lock up :D. It's hard to lock up your wheels when you're going slow on pavement, the inertial forces of the vehicle have a hard time overcoming the frictional resistance that the tires provide at slow speeds.

I'm sorry to hear about the family, hope everything works out :(