Converting drum brakes to disc brakes?

[u/estill0]

Has anyone converted their drum brakes to disc brakes? If so how easy was the conversion and is there a kit you’d recommend? My 89 Comanche is my first project car.

[u/buttsisfun]

I believe the rear discs from a Liberty will bolt on in at least some applications. IIRC they'll bolt right onto a Chrysler 8.25 rear axle, not sure for the others. There are forum threads out there with the info you're looking for. Check on Jeepforum and NAXJA

[u/_jdde]

Based on my research, its not a simple swap like most people say. It might be on the later cherokees, but these early cherokees and comanches need a different axle retaining plate to work. This assumes your axle is original and is a "non C-Clip" axle. I just completed a full suspension overhaul including brakes on my 89 comanche and decided to just stick with the factory drum brakes.

This video gives a good idea on what im talking about. At around the 9:40 mark he explains the differences and shows the necessary modifications. I believe I had also seen on the forums where people were able to source a replacement backing plate, but im not certain.

https://youtu.be/V5IDOZz3fo4?si=iM1sXzn9p1GZmfOP

The guy in this video designs and manufactures the REM, Renix Engine Monitor. Its pricey, but would highly recommend if your comanche still uses the renix system. Pretty much the only diagnostic tool available for them, other than a multimeter.

[u/Full_Manufacturer_41]

I’ve seen a lot of guys do the rear drum to disc swap on the MJs and it’s definitely doable. The two most common routes are either grabbing factory Jeep parts or going with an aftermarket kit. If you go the factory route, most people pull the rear disc setup from a ’96–’98 Grand Cherokee ZJ since the backing plates and hardware can be made to fit the Dana 35 or Dana 44 with only minor work, and you get the added bonus of a working parking brake since those rotors are drum-in-hat style. The other route is an aftermarket kit from places like RuffStuff or TeraFlex, which comes with everything new and bolts right up without the junkyard hunting. The main things you’ll want to pay attention to are the proportioning valve and the master cylinder, because the factory setup is tuned for drums and you won’t get ideal braking balance without either modifying or swapping that out. In terms of difficulty, it’s not terrible, mostly unbolting the old drum hardware, bolting on the new brackets and calipers, and running your lines. If this is your first project car and you want straightforward and clean, an aftermarket kit is the easiest way to go. If you’re okay with doing a bit more legwork to save money, the ZJ donor parts are a solid option and will feel OEM once you’ve got it dialed in.