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| Cost - Front Disc Brake Conversion |
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A front disc brake conversion contains many costs. These are all-variable and
differ on the desire behind the conversion. If the conversion effort is that and that alone, then the costs
will be higher. If the conversion is done and then the old parts are sold off, then the total cost of the
project will be offset.
Keep in mind that there are some tools here that you will need to complete the project that aren't included
here because they were included in the cost of obtaining tools section. These tools include a torque wrench,
socket for pre-load, ball-joint separator, tire-rod separator, grease, rags, and a Jeep manual.
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Cost Center
1979 Jeep CJ-7 Dana 30 Axle w/ Disc Brakes (6-bolts)
Tolls
Gas
Axle U-Joints
Ball Joints
Machining Costs
Disc Brake Dust Shield
Rotors
Pads
Calipers
Stainless Steel Brake Hoses
Spanner Wrench
Front End Alignment
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Cost
$100.00
$15.00
$50.00
$27.00
$45.00
$150.00
$71.00
$50.00
$35.00
$85.00
$50.00
$25.00
$65.00
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$768.00 |
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Total Time:
10 Hours
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| Cost - Offset |
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| To offset the cost of the buildup, I sold off the old brake parts because I had
previously replaced them as I was planning on keeping the drum brakes all around. This then changed and I had
no use for the old parts. Throwing them out was not an option, as I knew that others could benefit from the
good parts that I had. I still have some parts from the tear down. These include the calipers, the old brake
pads, the old hoses, axle housing, and gears in the differential and some other assorted parts. This would have
further offset the cost, but no one was buying at the time. I will put them up again in the future and maybe
more will sell, maybe not. If they do, then it will only add to the offset of the Jeep project.
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Cost Center
Brake Backing Plates with new hardware
Brake Hubs
Brake Drums
Warn Hubs
Rotors
Axle Shafts
Steering Knuckles
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Cost
$50.00
$20.00
$20.00
$40.00
$20.00
$20.00
$25.00
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$195.00 |
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Total Cost:
$573.00
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| Conclusions |
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The total time should be around 10 hours all said and done. That being said,
I redid the entire process 2 times on this Jeep because I didn't follow the instructions and improperly or I
should say DIDN'T torque the ball joint pre-load correctly. It took me closer to 15 hours to complete this and
I had never done anything like this before. Testing it out by having it in 4-wheel drive and out, and then the
front end alignment will take more time, but the actual process of getting everything ready and doing it should
only take about 10 hours.
As you can see, the offset of the nearly $200.00 for selling all the parts really helps with the project. Keep
in mind that you will need cleaners as well to help this along. Brake cleaner mainly as well as hand cleaner
as well as grease and rags. All this said and done can be had for $500.00 or less depending on what you replace
with new parts or if you end up reusing parts, having rotors turned, and reconditioning your calipers. You should
really go with new front brake pads at the least. Ball joints and axle U-Joints are not a necessity to replace,
but since you have them apart already, it is a good time to do so. You can save a lot of money here if you don't
do that, but in the long run if you have to replace them, you will end up having to rip apart everything you
have done. Plan ahead and do what you think is necessary.
Brake fluid, bleeding the brakes, and a front-end alignment are also necessary as a part of this build-up.
Don't skimp out here since it doesn't cost a lot of money and you braking and steering will ultimately benefit
from it. You have the chance to bleed your entire system and get your rig running down the road straight. Do
yourself and everyone else a favor and spend the extra bit of cash to finish it up right.
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