Bolt On….Jeep XJ Rear Disc Brake Conversion

[@jonaathansimons7938]

Well done video. Two things to add: 1) Important! Take the bolt out of the end of your proportioning valve, remove the inner valve shaft and eliminate the O ring. Reinstall shaft and bolt. Now you've got full pressure to the rear calipers vs. reduced pressure you had for the drum brakes. Makes a big difference (esp. when backing down a hill!) 2) While you've got the rear diff open and the axle shafts out, a shoebox locker (Spartan, Aussie, Monkey Grip, etc.) is definitely in order. Costs less than the brake upgrade {$186 on Ebay 1/4/25} and will take you a lot further up the trail! Happy wheelin' y'all!

[@northernmichiganoverland]

Did that with the proportioning valve. And I installed a front spartan locker.

[@explore_off_road]

I've JUST started watching and gotta say. Those opening sequence XJ's are sweet. Now I will go watch

[@northernmichiganoverland]

Thanks! Unfortunately my audio was a little off. Because it was the first video I edited with this software.

[@davidlamberson5435]

One of the better videos on this procedure. Thanks!

[@northernmichiganoverland]

Thank you and your welcome

[@markconley996]

It helps to remove the E brake cable while the backing plate is still on the axle tube ...

[@SeanMalseed]

Wow this is amazing, thank you for the detailed walkthrough

[@northernmichiganoverland]

Thanks. Your welcome!

[@guy-zw3sz]

When doing this, make sure you get the same axles going back in the same sides you took them out because one is a little longer than the other. almost started freaking out because I got the short one in the wrong side and could not put the C clip on it realized later what I had done thought I got the wrong kit for a minute or two😅😉👍

[@darylm.9432]

Nice, informative, well done tutorial on the upgrade. My only issue, you say "bolt on" and while true up until the line bracket, that needs to be welded to axle tube to keep the line from moving. Seems like a small detail, until "dang it, i need to get a welder too?!" Jeep bleedin me dry already, lol!

[@northernmichiganoverland]

Technically you could probably just leave it like that and not weld it. And never have a issue. But I just would rather be safe then sorry.

[@scampervw]

decent video except for the 1:30 of earbleed causing music at the start

[@northernmichiganoverland]

Yeah sorry. I did the editing on my phone and didn’t realize was that load 🤦🏼‍♂️

[@projectbumblejeep4190]

What about the parking brake parts and hook up? Did I miss that part? God bless and stay well.

[@northernmichiganoverland]

I lost the footage for that part unfortunately. But they do have a few good videos on KZbin on how to do the emergency brake setup on the Liberty’s.

[@northernmichiganoverland]

And they do make a bracket for the XJ cable so you can adapt it to the Liberty ebrake setup.

[@jrwebb2]

Do you have a link to the bracket?

[@bc.epicadventures9567]

great job on the video.. you explained very clear and detailed.

[@northernmichiganoverland]

Thanks.

[@netlans]

You need to remove the residual pressure check valve in the brake master cylinder when you do this conversion or your rear brakes will always drag. Also you might need a proportioning valve to make the brakes work correctly.

[@northernmichiganoverland]

I just did the ZJ proportioning valve spring swap. Seems to be working good.

[@netlans]

@@northernmichiganoverland That should help but you still need to make sure that residual pressure check valve is removed. It is very easy to take out. Pretty sure there must be some videos.

[@hectorestrada9551]

thanks for the video, just a question how you resolve de hand breake (parking breakes)

[@northernmichiganoverland]

www.cherokeeforum.com/f67/rear-disc-brake-conversion-parking-brake-cable-question-246771/

[@catchkcsglide7945]

Awesome video. Do you really have to replace the studs for the backing plate? Seems like the new bolts you got are a little long while the XJ studs seem like they wouldve fit.

[@northernmichiganoverland]

Thanks. Yes the xj ones are to short. You can use the stock liberty ones though. For me the bolts ended being easier to track down in the small town I live in.

[@jasonlessard2373]

How’d it go bleeding the brakes? I ask because you have the calipers on the wrong sides, which puts them upside down. Kind of hard to get the air out when the bleeder is lower than the hose.

[@northernmichiganoverland]

Bleeding went fine 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@jasonlessard2373]

Sorry, a more accurate question would be how’s the pedal feel? Soft, spongy? It would appear to bleed just fine because the fluid would come from the hose and run right out the bottom bleeder of the caliper it’s supposed to push the air out the top. Working in the brake and chassis field for 20years I’ve seen it many times, it’s a common and easy mistake. Just flip the calipers side to side and you will get a measurable improvement in brake performance. Other than that, good job! I was never impressed with the ZJ brake swap. Good to know there’s another option. Also, all the videos I see on disc brake swap fall short of addressing the hydraulic equation. The stock master cylinder was designed for the small diameter wheel cylinder, not the large surface area of a caliber piston. Also disc/drum systems have different front/rear proportional valves than disc/disc systems. I wonder if the Liberty master cylinder and proportioning valve would work? That is! If it has one? It may be integrated into the antilock brake module? Which opens up another can of worms. I would have liked to see how you did the park brake. And I agree with the other comments about he intro music. Too much, too long. Almost clicked off. But now I’m a subscriber.

[@northernmichiganoverland]

@@jasonlessard2373 it does have a little soft pedal at first. So that’s probably the issue🤔. And most guys run the ZJ proportioning valve. I plan on trying that out.

[@northernmichiganoverland]

@@jasonlessard2373 And I haven’t hooked up the emergency brake cable yet. Trying to figure out my best option. Some people will use the stock XJ cable and just wrap it around the ebrake lever on the liberty setup. But I don’t like how that looks rigged up.

[@jamoser95]

​@@northernmichiganoverland let me know what you figure out for that that's only thing keeping me from doing this being I have a manual

[@mateuszkusmierz223]

What about wheel centering on the axle?

[@northernmichiganoverland]

The wheel centering is the same as far as I know. Never seen a issue with this swap.

[@nitrodspec6402]

Great vid! How did you set up your parking brake?

[@northernmichiganoverland]

I did something like the guy in this video. But unfortunately the go pro lost the footage🤦🏼‍♂️ kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJmapJZqecuYrM0

[@northernmichiganoverland]

And Thanks

[@forgemientka3820]

That was the longest intro I’ve ever seen 😂

[@motownXJdad9565]

great vid Rob 👍

[@northernmichiganoverland]

Thanks!

[@kevinkibler2181]

Locktite on those backing plate bolts... no?? Or are those locking nuts?

[@northernmichiganoverland]

If I remember correctly I used nylon lock nuts.

[@TheSchmed]

The coating on those eBrake springs is not resistant to brake cleaner, last time I changed mine, sprayed the eBrake clean, And I see bits of the color coating all over the eBrake assembly.

[@jvirgil74]

You didn't mention switching out the proportioning valve on the brake block.

[@northernmichiganoverland]

I actually haven’t yet. And it’s actually working out pretty well with out doing the ZJ proportioning valve spring swap.

[@brooketolmachoff571]

How did you bend the hard brake lines? Did you remove them completely from the Jeep or is there a way to do it without removing and also crimping the lines? Great video.

[@northernmichiganoverland]

Hard line bending tool. You can get them at parts store. And thanks!

[@randomcitizen2384]

No e-brake? What about the portioning valve?

[@Motoman714.]

You dont need to install the emergency break shoes do you? I dont have them? And you might wanna change your proportioning valve

[@northernmichiganoverland]

No you don’t have to install them. And I put a ZJ spring in my XJ proportioning valve.

[@Dd-bk7rr]

Did you find a major breaking improvement after installing the disc's? On a scale of 1 to 10 how likely would you do it knowing the cost and benefits?

[@northernmichiganoverland]

Definitely better. I didn’t do the ZJ proportioning valve yet. That should improve it even more. As of right now how it set’s. I would say it’s a little better then drums. I mostly did it because needed all rear brakes any way. And this wasn’t much more money then just replacing the drum brakes. It makes things much easier in the future for brake replacement.

[@ZekeMaster85]

Great video mannnn. Thanks!

[@northernmichiganoverland]

@@ZekeMaster85 Thanks. No problem!

[@carldietz9767]

How about hooking up your emergency breaks while your at it.

[@northernmichiganoverland]

Unfortunately list that footage. GoPro life 🤦🏼‍♂️

[@1jimjiminy]

Nice job informative detailed very well done

[@bgrey55]

Heyy did you install the emergency brakes. It looks like you skipped the Ebrakes.

[@northernmichiganoverland]

Unfortunately lost that footage 🤦🏼‍♂️

[@northernmichiganoverland]

But basically it’s the same steps as putting the liberty ebrake together. Other then adapting XJ cable.

[@autohog]

Is there a front end conversion?

[@1jimjiminy]

I only saw a link for the left brake hose did you use two left brake hoses?

[@northernmichiganoverland]

Whoops my bad www.ebay.com/itm/155104574986?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=pcVVEXylRS2&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=GlPkWaaTRX-&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

[@1jimjiminy]

Oh no worries my brother thank you so much I figured it out I am in ASE certified Master automotive technician and I don't think I could have done a better job on the detailed description and the quality of your work I'm thoroughly impressed keep up the good work man

[@northernmichiganoverland]

@@1jimjiminy Thank you!

[@robertweinstein6441]

What year liberty’s are candidates?

[@northernmichiganoverland]

2003-2007

[@robertweinstein6441]

@@northernmichiganoverland ty

[@northernmichiganoverland]

@@robertweinstein6441 your welcome

[@metaldemon60]

all you need now is to swap the ZJ guts into the proportioning valve. it is a direct swap.

[@northernmichiganoverland]

That’s my plan.

[@rustedoutwrench]

where you located I'm in the Houghton Hancock area

[@northernmichiganoverland]

Petoskey MI.

[@jmm66351]

My jeep xj 99 Rear have abs sensor I can do that? 🤔

[@northernmichiganoverland]

Probably not with out the ABS light being on and not working.

[@jmm66351]

Thanks

[@mitchellswass2066]

Which baking plate did you use?

[@northernmichiganoverland]

Jeep liberty. It’s all jeep liberty parts. Except the hoses those are off a Jeep ZJ.

[@abrahambarkhordar5572]

aw man the ebay links dont work anymore, do you know where I can find all the stuff?

[@northernmichiganoverland]

It’s basically all Jeep Liberty rear disc break parts other than the ZJ break lines.

[@northernmichiganoverland]

Oh and the studs are front Jeep XJ Dana 30 studs.

[@robertweinstein6441]

What about the e brakes?

[@northernmichiganoverland]

Unfortunately GoPro lost that footage

[@abrahambarkhordar5572]

@@northernmichiganoverland what cables did you use

[@northernmichiganoverland]

@@abrahambarkhordar5572 factory XJ e brake cable

[@RippSnortin]

Bolt on? Is there a weld on option?

[@northernmichiganoverland]

They make universal weld on disc brake kits I am sure you could make work.

[@agustinhidalgo405]

What proportioning valve would u recommend.??

[@northernmichiganoverland]

Most guys use the ZJ spring in the XJ proportioning valve.

[@robertweinstein6441]

Does this support maintaining abs

[@northernmichiganoverland]

No

[@cousin_JACK]

Hey dude, I see you’re a pro, what would you recommend this for an 88 Comanche on d35 ?

[@northernmichiganoverland]

Won’t work with the Dana 35. Your best option with that year is doing a ford explore 8.8 rear axle swap with disc brakes.

[@cousin_JACK]

Right on, I will start looking for one for a swap in the future, thank you

[@northernmichiganoverland]

No problem

[@WAEMIDIV]

​@@cousin_JACKit absolutely is possible on a Dana 35, NickInTimeFilms has a video on it

[@cousin_JACK]

@@WAEMIDIV thanks dude. Big fan of your channel, I’ll go through his library of videos. Thank you. I need to get my pops Jeep off jackstands It’s been on stands for a year

[@ky0611]

What color red did you use on the Calipers?

[@northernmichiganoverland]

@j002cd www.ebay.com/itm/350870094577?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=LRMjuD6oRLe&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=GlPkWaaTRX-&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

[@ky0611]

@@northernmichiganoverland awesome Thanks!

[@northernmichiganoverland]

@@ky0611 No problem

[@miked5789]

Is it the same parts for the Dana 35 & Chrysler 8.25??

[@northernmichiganoverland]

This mod will not work on the dana 35 as far as I know. I believe you have to use the jeep ZJ rear disc brake parts if I remember correctly.

[@serchmarc]

can this mod will wotk on my 87 XJ ?

[@northernmichiganoverland]

@@serchmarc only if it has the 8.25 rear end. As far as I know will not work on the Dana 35.

[@serchmarc]

@@northernmichiganoverland YEAH I VE JUST REALISED THAT,,

[@mcguireskaratetheartofsurv1942]

Thanks

[@northernmichiganoverland]

Your welcome!

[@jamoser95]

crazy you can't buy the backing plates

[@northernmichiganoverland]

You can. But they are Mopar parts and are super expensive.

[@Dodsonmonty]

How much for the front grill and headlights?

[@northernmichiganoverland]

Not for sale

[@cgtanker74]

Will this swap work on a factory xj dana 44?

[@northernmichiganoverland]

I don’t believe so.

[@nickbarrett3607]

Total cost if ya don't mind me asking. Lapeer Michigan

[@northernmichiganoverland]

Under $250. I got the liberty backing plates for $50 off Facebook market place. That was the hardest thing to find. Everything else is just factory liberty brakes parts. I bought new of eBay and rock auto.

[@nickbarrett3607]

@@northernmichiganoverland nice not bad at all definitely would be worth it.

[@robertweinstein6441]

Does this work on a Dana 35?

[@northernmichiganoverland]

It does not. Only the 8.25.

[@code_xj]

Does this work for a D35

[@northernmichiganoverland]

Unfortunately no.

[@colemandeitz7302]

Dump music and the long entry

[@bryanmercado8755]

That line touching the plate for the u bolts feels sketchy

[@northernmichiganoverland]

If you look closely. It is not actually touching the y bolt plate.

[@Justdigit2]

You forgot something....?? Where is the E-brake?

[@northernmichiganoverland]

Lost that footage unfortunately

[@Justdigit2]

@@northernmichiganoverland Ahhh that explains why... It's a one simple fit over the original?? Thanks for the video.

[@northernmichiganoverland]

@@Justdigit2 if you look up how to install ebrake shoes on the liberty same steps. Only thing thats different is making the XJ ebrake cables work with the liberty ebrake setup.

[@davidgrant3940]

I have sold hundreds if not thousands of “disc brake conversion kits” on a well know forum. For the money, just get an Ford 8.8 with discs from a junkyard & be done.

[@northernmichiganoverland]

This didn’t cost much more then replacing the drum brakes that needed replaced anyway 🤷🏼‍♂️.

[@moeshiner156]

I got a comment. Im a 35 year+ mechanic and have a 99 Jeep Cherokee XJ, lifted with Patagonia milestar tires (Nice Tire!),etc. The problem with drum brakes is....nothing. You have to the education to make them work properly. Most people dont have a clue how to use spring tools or adjusting spoons. Its too hard, i dont know how to do them, Oh i wish i had rear disc brakes. Screw that. I redid my system with new Shoes, Springs, hardware, Drums and Adjusters. My brakes work so good id place 100 bucks in a stop in the shortest distance contest with anything in my Jeep class or otherwise. My 1988 Trans Am GTA doesnt stop as good as my Jeep. They are cheap to fix and easy to upkeep. Drum brakes work just fine. Period. Jeep On people!! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@northernmichiganoverland]

Obviously you don’t live in Michigan. Was sick of dealing with the self adjusters seized up from rust almost yearly. And drum brakes hold mud if you actually off-road your jeep. If drums worked so great. Why did almost every manufacturer do away with them?

[@northernmichiganoverland]

And FYI i passed my ASE certification in brakes. So I know how to properly maintain drum brakes.

[@moeshiner156]

@@northernmichiganoverland Easy now partner. I live in the state of Maine. Plenty of ice, snow and mud here. I do off road it and have no problem cleaning out my drums. It was a comment, not a personal attack on you. I like Drum brakes you dont. I wont comment again. Sorry you are offended. Jeep on.

[@moeshiner156]

@@northernmichiganoverland Roger that. So did I.

[@northernmichiganoverland]

@@moeshiner156 sure came off a little negative.

[@RAYROTHSTEIN66]

I don't need the 2 minute intro of you guys wheeling, get to the point.. and will they fit 15" alloys?

[@Codethe_Road]

the audio mixing is terrible its peaking and blowing out at 1% volume.

[@northernmichiganoverland]

New editing software. Didn’t realize that issue tell after I uploaded. I will keep it in mind for next video.

[@mcguireskaratetheartofsurv1942]

Badddddd azzzzzzz

[@jeepndave]

Your audio between dialog is way too loud!

[@jeepndave]

Sorry, not as bad as I first thought. But the opening audio was too loud.

[@allenwatkins4972]

Way too much music.

[@johnadams8371]

KL > XJ

[@justinterepka9885]

Rip headphone users...

[@markythelarky6948]

Dude!!! For God's sake cut that intro out! Not only is it loud and distorted, it also lasts way too long. Were I not super interested in this, I probably would have clicked off.

[@northernmichiganoverland]

Thanks for the feedback. Still figuring out this KZbin thing. And first video with this new video editing software.

[@killkrazy9913]

you can fast forward... not sure why you find that so challenging and calm down

[@davidgangano6011]

Will this work on a Dana 44?

[@codyw.3928]

im curious about this too

[@northernmichiganoverland]

No it will not unfortunately.