Retrofit brakes in a Cherokee....

[polarperson]

I am advised that the front disc brake assembly for any? grand cherokee is a direct bolt on for any corner on a cherokee (mine, a 1999 without ABS, drums on the back, and a limited slip rear diff.). Further, I was advised that the only proviso is that you must retain the old ???? something or other, otherwise a brake application will lock up the vehicle. Since I am somewhat mechanically dim it would be helpful if you used simple non-technical explanations. Any enlightenment would be appreciated.

 

[TerryMason]

Welcome to Jeepz.com.

The ZJs (1993–1998 Grand Cherokee), XJs (1984–2001 Cherokee), YJs (1987–1995 Wrangler), and TJs (1997–2006 Wrangle) all use roughly the same size front rotors and hubs, so their isn't much advantage to upgrading them (i.e. ZJ brakes on an XJ).

Now the WJs (1999–2004 Grand Cherokee) do use bigger brakes. This requires a swap to make them work, including a spacer on the hubs to get it to work and the use of WJ knuckles.

There's a good bit involved in the swap (never done it myself). You can read more here:
XJ Cherokee Conversion to WJ Front Brakes & Steering

 

[cherokeechick]

X2 it's a big job for the wj breaks knuckles and steering. I'm collecting parts for this job now and I'm all most there

Parts you need:

Waggy pitman arm
Shortened wj bar that holds the rod ends, the one that goes straigt across you have to make sure you get the one with the rod ends tilte in so it clears the diff. You can get one from the jy and slice and dice or ruff stuff makes one and you also have to get the tapers so that those rod ends will fit in the knuckles ... Drill it out and put them in.

Same sort of deal with the drag link, note the drag link on a wj does not have the same hole for the xj steering stabilizer / damper (what ever you are running)

I'm pretty sure you can use the same track bar but I'm going to buy an adjustable track bar just in case.

Obviously you need the wj ball joints

Then you need the knuckles (obviously!)

You can order a hub spacer from JKS (that's where I ordered mine from!)
You need to have it tig welded on there.

Then obviously the wj dual piston calipers

The wj rotors need to be drilled out to fit the xj bolt pattern I suggest making a jig and doing it your self use colbalt steel bits they cut through metal like butter! Or you can spend a ridiculous amout of money and get the pre drilled ones they sell them all over the place online.

Then the pads ... Nothing unusual about those! No special instructions!