Re: Rear Disks

From: Bob Mankin (bob@cadpros.com)
Date: Fri Aug 03 2001 - 11:49:34 EDT


Darren Asuncion wrote:
>
> Hey there,
>
> I was thinking about converting to rear disks on my '99 as well. I was
> never overly impressed w/ the braking power of the Gen III Dakota,
> especially when loaded... Only thing I came up with was at
> http://www.ssbrakes.com/pages/Results.asp?carMake=Dodge%20Truck&carModel=110
> &carYear=94-00 .
>
> These kits cost $725, which is a bit high for what I'd like to spend, but I
> really want the disc brakes on the rear. If someone is able to negotiate a
> group buy for these, I'd be very interested! The Jeep Grand Cherokees with
> the disc brakes have either Dana 35C or Dana 44 rear axle setups. These
> axles won't fit without major modification because of the coil spring setup
> on the Grand Cherokees vs the leaf springs on the Daks. Additionally, the
> Jeeps have a 5-bolt lug pattern, these will not work w/ the Dakota's 6-lug
> wheels... The regular Cherokee (XJ) came with either Dana 35C or Chrysler
> 8.25 axles (leaf spring setup), but never came w/ rear discs from the
> factory...
>
> Anyway hope this helps. If anyone knows of a rear disc conversion kit
> that's cheaper than this one, please let me know!
>
> Darren Asuncion
> Kodiak, AK
> '99 Intense Blue CC Sport +, 4x4, 5.2 V8, 44RE auto, 3.55 lsd (8.25"),
> 4wheel ABS, 31" BFG All-terrain KO
> http://www.geocities.com/dakotaguy1999/dakota.html

Darren,

Don't think you'll find much for less than what SSBrakes is asking. It
hasn't been a high demand item, so not many companies stepping up to the
plate to make them.

Keep in mind that on the Dakota, you're really getting appearance more
than anything. Rear disc on that light rear end won't gain you much. For
a significant improvement in braking you want to upsize the fronts by 2"
diameter, but again not much available in the aftermarket yet. I think
you'll be hearing about more Viper brake conversions in the very near
future, like the set Harmon just installed, but I'm not sure how widely
those will be available. It will only be complete 4 wheel swaps and it
won't be cheap.

Bob



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