Restoration blues... brake bias help

[GixRider]

I finally got my '79 CJ5 running and on the road. It was a ground up restoration build that I took over after the frame/drivetrain were completed. From what I can tell, the front axle was originally drum brakes and converted to disc setup. The rear still has drum brakes and the master cylinder does not have a brake booster. Now that I'm driving it a little, I noticed the rear brakes tend to lock up too easily and it's down right scary under hard braking. I've got good pedal feel but it just seems like either the front doesn't have enough bite or the rear has too much. I'm going to go back to bleeding the front again but I don't think it's going to help. What are my alternative solutions to getting better front brakes? Everything was brand new when installed so no telling what is the correct configuration for this jeep.

Thanks
Chris

[SwampFox89@aol.com]

Was the proportioning valve switched out too? If it was drum/drum originally the valve would have been for this too. If you now have disc/drum you need a valve for that set up. I know on wet roads my rears will lock up under hard braking with my CJ5, but not on my CJ7. It might be due to more weight on the rear axle with the 7? Not sure.

[crashnzuk]

Drum/drum didn't have a proportioning valve. Brake bias was handled via brake size and wheel cyl bore. Get yourself an adjustable proportioning valve and install it in the rear brake line and adjust until the rears lock just when the fronts lock. Best to do this on damp pavement so you don't get rear lock when you try to stop fast in the rain.
Travis..

[1977]

http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billavista/Brakes/

[Rokcrawlr]

Might check the adjustment on the drum brakes, if they are to loose they tend to lock up.

-Troy

[wheelerpeeler]

79 cj should have a p valve my 77 has one or I should say had one.I believe that it came stock with discs up frunt to.Should have a 30 up frunt and 20 out back.

[crashnzuk]

Yes, if it had discs stock it should have a prop valve. However, after swapping in different axles and finding the bias to be wrong, shit can the stocker and install an adjustable one. Also, do not assume it is built into the safety tee. Some vehicles had a stand alone mounted in the rear brake line. Consult a factory service manual to find it.
Travis..