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Dana 30 disc brake question

Discussion in 'Intermediate CJ-5/6/7/8' started by rixcj, Aug 22, 2009.

  1. Aug 22, 2009
    rixcj

    rixcj Member

    Rhode Island
    Joined:
    Nov 12, 2006
    Messages:
    351
    I'm going through a dana 30 front end ('78 or '79, not exactly sure), replacing seals, bearings, brake components, etc.

    It has 7/8' thick rotors, and 2-bolt caliper brackets.

    I have other dana 30 spare parts available to swap in, if I want to.

    My question is...seeing that I'm going to buy new rotors, is it worth the extra 20 dollars, or so, to go with 1 1/8" rotors? I also have 6-bolt caliper brackets that I can use...are they any better, or worse than 2-bolt calipers?

    Thanks, as always.

    Rich
     
  2. Aug 22, 2009
    jayhawkclint

    jayhawkclint ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ

    Oklahoma City, USA
    Joined:
    May 18, 2006
    Messages:
    2,622
    I've had both, you really don't notice a difference on a 3,000lb vehicle. In fact, I sometimes think the 1-1/8" with semi-metallic pads stay too cold. I think maybe 7/8" tend to keep the pads a little warmer and a little better grab. Nothing scientific, never measured the temps, just seat of pants feel. Organic pads do help out a bit.

    7/8" is '79
     
    Last edited: Aug 22, 2009
  3. Aug 22, 2009
    pathkiller

    pathkiller Member

    Lorton, VA
    Joined:
    Apr 17, 2005
    Messages:
    878
    Another consideration would be availability of replacement parts. I just bought new rotors, calipers and pads for the 6-bolt version and while they are obtainable I did have to search a bit. The 2-bolt version was used a lot longer and parts seem to be both cheaper and more readily available.
     
  4. Aug 22, 2009
    rixcj

    rixcj Member

    Rhode Island
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    Nov 12, 2006
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    351
  5. Aug 22, 2009
    73cj5

    73cj5 Member

    Maine
    Joined:
    Jan 15, 2004
    Messages:
    903
    I have had no problems with the 7/8 rotors on my cj. The calipers are cheep too. 15 bucks each.
    Posted via Mobile Device
     
  6. Aug 23, 2009
    CJ-X

    CJ-X Member

    Ohio
    Joined:
    Aug 6, 2006
    Messages:
    816
    Since you have the knuckles for the two bolt, use the two bolt parts in your jeep. The reason is that you can save the 6 bolt set-up for a front disc conversion on an older jeep if you ever need to.
     
  7. Aug 23, 2009
    rixcj

    rixcj Member

    Rhode Island
    Joined:
    Nov 12, 2006
    Messages:
    351
    I read the other thread, in here, about the dana 30 disc brake swap, and it offered different ideas about how to accomplish that.

    I didn't read anywhere about specifically using a 6-bolt set-up, over a 2-bolt set-up.

    Do you HAVE to use a 6-bolt set-up ( if you decide to use newer jeep parts)on an older jeep for disc brakes?

    I happen to have the 6-bolt knuckles,spindles,hubs, & caliper brackets. So all someone would need is the rotors, calipers, pads, and hoses?

    Thanks.

    Rich
     
  8. Aug 23, 2009
    Posimoto

    Posimoto Hopeless JEEP Addict

    Minden, Nevada
    Joined:
    Aug 7, 2003
    Messages:
    4,538
    Yup, and brake lines and a slightly thicker inner bearing race. About 1/8" thicker. Some people use a shim to move the rotor out the 1/8".
     
  9. Aug 23, 2009
    CJ-X

    CJ-X Member

    Ohio
    Joined:
    Aug 6, 2006
    Messages:
    816
    The advantage of the 6 bolt set-up when doing a swap on an older jeep is that a person doesn't have to swap knuckles since the caliper bracket fits on the 6 studs.
     
  10. Aug 24, 2009
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Happy Valley, OR
    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2002
    Messages:
    12,529
    You can also use the 6 bolt brackets to convert a closed knuckle front to disc brakes. Can't do that with the 2 bolt units.
     
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