The only Jeep magazine I really like is Jp because their articles are mainly about Jeeps and provide real-world tech issues. I do hope you can let me in on a secret that I have been researching for a long time. There are many of us out there who custom build our own parts instead of buying them. My question is where you drill and tap a Saginaw box to make a hydraulic assist. Many of my buddies and I need assist but can't afford the price of kits. My Jeep is a '46 CJ-2A original flathead FC150 D44 5.86 spring-over custom body and cage, interior upgrades (seats harness sprayed bed liner inside tub), GM steering column/custom shaft, Saginaw box custom-steering linkage, and 35-12.50 tires. I don't expect to be in the magazine, but I hope you can see it in your vast heart to help us techie custom people. Thanks in advance.
Dennis Modinger
Upstate, New York
Editor Cappa did this to the Saginaw box he used on his J2000. He used a Redneck Ram hydro assist from West Texas Off Road (877/833-7464, www.westtexasoffroad.com) and tapped the box himself in the June '04 issue, "Easy Assist."Predrill the holes with a 1/4-inch bit, then open them up to 7/16-inch before tapping them to 1/4 NPT.
As usual, I was scanning the Internet at work and came across a feature on the Jp Web site (http://jpmagazine.com/featuredvehicles/16578/).After seeing the T-case-mounted e-brake, I just had to have one for my own modified '55 CJ. Problem is, I can't seem to find one. Do you happen to know who makes this kit for the Spicer 18 T-case? Or a kit I can modify? Thanks.
Ed
Minden, Nevada
It looks like a custom job to me. If you're just looking for a T-case-mounted e-brake, your '55 originally came with a drum-brake mounted on the rear of the Spicer 18. ATV Manufacturing (360/256-3843, www.hermtheoverdriveguy.com) will supply you with all of the parts to reinstall this drum-style e-brake to your T-case. Here's a link: http://hermtheoverdriveguy.com/id52.htm.
I'd recommend the drum over the disc because the drum offers more holding power in an e-brake application. However, if you're still set on making a disc-brake setup work, All Pro Off Road (951/658-7077, ww.allprooffroad.com) offers disc-brake setups for Toyota T-cases that could probably be modified to work(http://allprooffroad.com/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=33).
Also, High Angle Driveline (530/877-2875, www.highangledriveline.com) offers a T-case e-brake kit for a Bronco Dana 20 that could be modified to work on your Spicer 18 (http://highangledriveline.com/E-brake%20applications.htm). Finally, Tom Wood's Custom Drive Shafts, 801/737-0757, www.4xshaft.com, has a disc brake kit that can be made to work with your T-case.
Help! I am trying to build a Jeep in the middle of Iowa and am having no luck finding anyone with the experience I need. I've installed a Dana 44/60 axle combo with Chevy 34-ton disks front and rear, but nobody seems to know which master cylinder/booster to recommend. I would love to walk into my local Napa with some part numbers and walk out with some parts. This is keeping my jeep in the garage instead of on the trail. Can you point me in the right direction? Thank you for your time.
Tim Horne
Via e-mail
Nearly all Jeep drum brake master cylinders have a check valve in the master cylinder body at the brake line fitting orifices. The check valve keeps some residual pressure on the drum brake shoes so they activate quickly. Otherwise, you'd have a spongy pedal and would need to pump the brakes to build pressure every time you stopped. Disc brakes take less pressure to activate but more volume, and disc brake master cylinders don't have the check valve. In fact, using a master cylinder with a check valve will cause disc brakes to drag and possibly overheat.
Before swapping master cylinders, you may want to try removing your brake line fittings from the master cylinder, threading a wood screw into the small orifice of the check-ball retainer, removing the retainer, and fishing out the check ball with a magnet (if it doesn't fall out by itself). Depending on the year of your Jeep, your stock master cylinder may prove adequate for your needs.
If your stock master cylinder is inadequate and you don't want power brakes, I'd go into your local Napa and just ask for a manual brake master cylinder for a '70 Corvette with four-wheel disc brakes (PN TS101371). You may have to modify your mount and/or the actuator rod, but this master cylinder will provide enough volume to juice your brakes.
If you're looking for power brakes, the Napa '70 Corvette master cylinder part number for power-equipped brakes is PN TS101423. Or you can always check with Master Power Brakes (888/351-8785, www.mpbrakes.com). The company specializes in aftermarket power-brake upgrades and can get you on the right track.
Got a tech question you're just itching to get answered? Send it on in to Jp Magazine, Your Jeep, 6420 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048, or e-mail christian.hazel@primedia.com.