Would it be worth ordering a spare set of knuckles with the Vanco big brake kit?

maxtj

maxtj

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I’m going to install the big brake kit after some butt clenching experiences with the stock brakes on the freeways.

I know that pads, rotors and calipers are compatible with widely available parts. I was concerned about the knuckles and mounting hardware. I know those are a custom Blaine design.

Would it be worth ordering a spare set and keeping them just in case? Shit happens (like getting into a wreck) and I’d hate to need a spare knuckle only to find out MrBlaine doesn’t make them anymore and there is no aftermarket support.
 
maxtj said:
I’m going to install the big brake kit after some butt clenching experiences with the stock brakes on the freeways.

I know that pads, rotors and calipers are compatible with widely available parts. I was concerned about the knuckles and mounting hardware. I know those are a custom Blaine design.

Would it be worth ordering a spare set and keeping them just in case? Shit happens (like getting into a wreck) and I’d hate to need a spare knuckle only to find out MrBlaine doesn’t make them anymore and there is no aftermarket support.
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If you get into a wreck that damages the knuckle to the point that it's unserviceable, I think you'd have bigger issues than replacing a big brake kit.

I'm running a Vanco/BMB kit and the thought of not being able to replace parts has never crossed my mind.
 
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L J said:
If you get into a wreck that damages the knuckle to the point that it's unserviceable, I think you'd have bigger issues than replacing a big brake kit.

I'm running a Vanco/BMB kit and the thought of not being able to replace parts has never crossed my mind.
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You can tell I have OCD 🤣
 
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L J said:
I wouldn't worry about it. In the unlikely event that you couldn't replace a proprietary part, it would just force your hand into upgrading to tons and fodees. 🤑
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I have BMB's going on my Currie 60...
 
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You should double the cost of your Jeep build to include spares for everything...

"Key to government spending... why buy one, when you can have two for twice the price..."
 
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I buy spares for my TJ, but not everything, and my logic is complicated when I determine whether or not to buy spares. It's a very personal thing and cost (and the means to pay for them) is a big factor. Thirty years ago, I couldn't afford good parts, let along spares of good parts. Now I can, and I've also experienced needing to replace great products, only to find out they are no longer made, so I do buy spares of some parts, but again, the logic for me is complicated. For instance, I did not buy spare knuckles for the BMB BBK. I trust that Mr. Blaine makes a part that's not likely to fail under normal, but harsh, off-road conditions.

@LONGJP2: Did you break a stock or BMB knuckle, and what were the circumstances, if you don't mind me asking?
 
Stock.
First the axle broke on a muddy hill, but I didn't know it.
Later, the bearing came apart, wheel fell off, and took the rotor and caliper with it.
20200102_124840.jpg
 
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Artsifrtsi said:
You should double the cost of your Jeep build to include spares for everything...

"Key to government spending... why buy one, when you can have two for twice the price..."
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It would be like government spending if I used other people’s money not my own.
 
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DaveF said:
Just buy and build a copy of your Jeep, Put a sticker on the hood in place of a Rubicon sticker that reads "Spare Parts".

done.
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I know there is more than one forum member who has a spare TJ or two...
 
LONGJP2 said:
I broke a knuckle on the trail.
Sh*t does happen.
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I only know of one broken knuckle and it was done with a back flip and landing on one side in the front. Others have been damaged due to not stopping when an axle breaks, or losing a wheel on the freeway, but outright breakage is exceptionally rare. Was that you?
 
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Artsifrtsi said:
You should double the cost of your Jeep build to include spares for everything...

"Key to government spending... why buy one, when you can have two for twice the price..."
Click to expand...

I have spares for the hard to find or hard to get or just because I can stuff.
33 spline Dana 44 rear axles.
33 spline ARB.
30 spline inners for the hub conversion.
All the hub conversion bits for spares enough to build another hub conversion in 5 on 5.5
241OR t-case
Fuel pump
Radiator and rest of cooling system bits.

Working on a few more.
 
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mrblaine said:
I have spares for the hard to find or hard to get or just because I can stuff.
33 spline Dana 44 rear axles.
33 spline ARB.
30 spline inners for the hub conversion.
All the hub conversion bits for spares enough to build another hub conversion in 5 on 5.5
241OR t-case
Fuel pump
Radiator and rest of cooling system bits.

Working on a few more.
Click to expand...

With what you do, I’d bet you could probably come damn close to putting together something that could run and drive. I mean absolutely no disrespect either! I have hobbies that have enough spares to assemble complete things too… as do most people passionate about their hobbies.
 
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