Good value brake upgrade suggestions?

[TRevs]

2006 LJ, not a daily driver. 99% stock. I got it a couple months ago and am going through what needs work. The current brake pads are shot with no name rotors. I planned on replacing pads and rotors with OEM, but came by here for other ideas.

The Black Magic pads sound enticing, but I don't want to overspend. It has 33's and does require more effort on the pedal than I expected.

Is there a package of pads/rotors (and maybe calipers) I should be looking at?

 

[06lj]

With 33s Black Magic are what you want in the front. The rear will be fine with centric pads. Centric rotors work very well and are typically cheapest on Amazon.
While the Black Magic pads are definitely more $ they are well worth it. Especially if you are ever in a situation where you need to make an emergency stop.
If your calipers are good there should be no need to replace them. Just flush all of the fluid.
I believe Black Magic is having 10% off right now.

 

[astjp2]

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f67/15-diy-big-brake-kit-xj-mj-tj-yj-Dana 30-Dana 44-227121/
or
https://www.rme4x4.com/threads/better-brakes-for-the-lj.116389/page-2
or
https://www.shop.blackmagicbrakes.com/Vanco-Big-Brake-Kit-Replacement-Pads-and-Upgrades_c38.htm

are just 3 options, if you want to go really bad ass, there is a conversion using 15" mustang rotors and Brembo 6 piston calipers...

 

[B252]

Black Magic Brakes. The best up grade/modification that has come out for the Jeep TJ. It is well worth the money IMHO.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

There are no better brakes for our Jeeps than those from www.blackmagicbrakes.com. Really.

 

[LONGJP2]

The Black Magic pads sound enticing, but I don't want to overspend.

Is there a package of pads/rotors (and maybe calipers) I should be looking at?

Before Black Magic, some common (recommended) upgrades were EBC and Hawk for pads, Centric for rotors.

 

[TRevs]

Thanks all for the advice; I'm looking for plug-and-play with original calipers/hardware. Centric rotors, BMB pads front and rear sounds like a good set up.

 

[gbirk]

Similar situation to you. 2002 stock TJ in need of a brake refresh. I just ordered the Black Magic pads with front rotors and rear drums yesterday. Make sure to look at page 2 or 3 of the Black Friday thread as Mr Blane has a 10% off coupon available this weekend.

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/the-official-black-friday-cyber-monday-2019-thread.28717

 

[Jerry Bransford]

For everyone ordering Black Magic's brake pads... they are "high performance" pads and as such need to be broken in EXACTLY as are described in the directions that are included. Do not pussy foot this part of your brake job, be aggressive when applying brakes so they are properly broken in. I can smell the pads from getting them hot whenever I break mine in, don't be afraid to do this job properly as described in the instructions.

You'll also need to keep them broken in with occasionally very aggressive braking, gentle braking all of the time will cause them to get "unbroken in" and you'll wonder why the brakes aren't braking as well as they should be.

 

[TRevs]

Thanks Jerry; I've read about the break-in process on the pads. I sometimes drive that way anyway.

I'm afraid this may be a dumb question, but on other threads lauding the BMBs, drivers note they can now lock up their wheels; don't later TJ's all have ABS? I was out on wet pavement today and locked up a few times with the stock brakes. No hint of ABS function which surprised me. Is there something I'm missing?

 

[astjp2]

Thanks Jerry; I've read about the break-in process on the pads. I sometimes drive that way anyway.

I'm afraid this may be a dumb question, but on other threads lauding the BMBs, drivers note they can now lock up their wheels; don't later TJ's all have ABS? I was out of wet pavement today and locked up a few times with the stock brakes. No hint of ABS function which surprised me. Is there something I'm missing?

my 05 LJ does not have anti lock brakes.

 

[reddvltj]

Thanks Jerry; I've read about the break-in process on the pads. I sometimes drive that way anyway.

I'm afraid this may be a dumb question, but on other threads lauding the BMBs, drivers note they can now lock up their wheels; don't later TJ's all have ABS? I was out on wet pavement today and locked up a few times with the stock brakes. No hint of ABS function which surprised me. Is there something I'm missing?

ABS was an "option" not on most TJs,

 

[Willys LJ]

my 05 LJ does not have anti lock brakes.

Mine doesn't either.

 

[GASnBRASS]

fyi, Black Magic has 10% off right now. code: blackfriday2019

I just ordered front pads/rotors/calipers from them this morning.

 

[707kevin]

Black Magic pads can lock up 33's pretty easily, but more importantly, they seem to have plenty of control BEFORE you lock up. They can handle the heat of long hills too.

 

[TRevs]

I don't mind the lack of ABS; I was just surprised there wasn't a government mandate. Order is placed and pads/rotors are on the way!

What's the bleeding sequence ? RR -> LR -> RF -> LF?

 

[Jerry Bransford]

That bleeding order works fine.

 

[jjvw]

Mine with 33s has had BMB pads up front for many years. The Jeep has always felt comfortable and reliable in it's braking ability. Every so often I need to give them a few hard stops to re-season them, but that is a product of my driving.

We have had snow and ice the last week. Driving without ABS is fine. You just have to adjust for it, knowing that the Jeep can and will go into a slide if conditions allow. I can't go tearing around town like a mom in a Subaru, but I know won't get myself stuck on a side street.

 

[astjp2]

IMHO abs is for those who are too lazy to learn how to or should not be driving on slippery roads.

 

[jjvw]

IMHO abs is for those who are too lazy to learn how to or should not be driving on slippery roads.

Maybe. A good modern abs and traction control system is pretty impressive compared to what I am able to do on my dinosaur Jeep. Though people do have a tendency to throw caution to the wind and rely too heavily on the car to drive for them.