Rear Brake Conversion

[taos_overlander]

I haven't been able to find an answer to this rear disc brake conversion question - hoping someone here can help.

Jeep Specs
- 1998 Wrangler Sahara Edition
- Dana 44 rear end

Problem
I'm looking to swap both the front and rear brakes, and I want to go with Wilwood discs all the way around. The front brakes are no problem (using YJ spindles), but Wilwood says the rear brake conversion kit only fits a Dana 35 rear end (link: Wilwood D154 Rear Brake Conversion Kit).

There are a few other rear disc brake conversion kits (for example, Teraflex Rear Brake Conversion Kit) that say they fit all rear ends.

So I'm trying to figure out what specifically is different about the Dana 44 rear end compared to the Dana 35 as it relates to the brake assembly. What are the possible reasons why one brake conversion kit might fit both rear ends while another doesn't?

Axle offset? Bolt pattern? Caliper clearance?

I attached the Dana 35 rear end measurement guide from Wilwood, but they don't have one for the Dana 44 (and unfortunately I can't measure it on my Jeep at the moment).

Does anyone know the specifics of these two rear end brake assemblies, and why the Wilwood rear conversion kit might not fit a Dana 44?

If it does fit, I'd love to go with it, so if anyone can help me figure this out, it'd be much appreciated!

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Www.blackmagicbrakes.com has the very best brakes designed specifically for Jeeps. Period.

For your rear drum brakes, what is your reason for wanting to convert to disk? In the rear, drum brakes brake every bit as well as disks do. Really. The only benefit disks have over drums in the rear is they're easier to work on.

 

[1J4FY]

Disc brakes are advantageous to drum brakes when going in reverse. Other than that I did not see any difference in performance after switching from drum to brake on the TJ.

 

[DWR]

I haven't been able to find an answer to this rear disc brake conversion question - hoping someone here can help.

Jeep Specs
- 1998 Wrangler Sahara Edition
- Dana 44 rear end

Problem
I'm looking to swap both the front and rear brakes, and I want to go with Wilwood discs all the way around. The front brakes are no problem (using YJ spindles), but Wilwood says the rear brake conversion kit only fits a Dana 35 rear end (link: Wilwood D154 Rear Brake Conversion Kit).

There are a few other rear disc brake conversion kits (for example, Teraflex Rear Brake Conversion Kit) that say they fit all rear ends.

So I'm trying to figure out what specifically is different about the Dana 44 rear end compared to the Dana 35 as it relates to the brake assembly. What are the possible reasons why one brake conversion kit might fit both rear ends while another doesn't?

Axle offset? Bolt pattern? Caliper clearance?

I attached the Dana 35 rear end measurement guide from Wilwood, but they don't have one for the Dana 44 (and unfortunately I can't measure it on my Jeep at the moment).

Does anyone know the specifics of these two rear end brake assemblies, and why the Wilwood rear conversion kit might not fit a Dana 44?

If it does fit, I'd love to go with it, so if anyone can help me figure this out, it'd be much appreciated!

View attachment 177758

I know this is a late reply (didn’t see the thread till now) but I actually have wilwood brakes on my Dana 44 rear now. So apparently it can be done, but I bought mine this way so I’m not sure if something special has been done.

The issue I’m having now is finding correct replacement pads...

 

[qslim]

Disc brakes are advantageous to drum brakes when going in reverse. Other than that I did not see any difference in performance after switching from drum to brake on the TJ.

I haven't seen any difference at all since I installed my 44 with discs... Can't say I've paid much attention to backing up though.