Feedback on Wilwood Front Disc Brake Conversion

[SOB BeachBum]

I'm considering front disc brakes on my '75 FJ40.... looking at Wilwoods big brake disc conversion kit. This forum has been a big help in my research, so I'm asking for feedback from those who have had experience with this option. I'm also open to other recommendations too.

Some specifics on this rig:
- has a small block 350
- Saginaw power steering
- 4in suspension lift
- running 33in rubber on 15in rims

Hoping to hear what others have to say.... Thanks!

 

[3_puppies]

IMHO I would use a later Toyota setup, knuckles out, anything 1976+
1976-1978 landcruiseruse the small bolt pattern knuckles and longer birfs
1979-1990 landcruiser used the large bolt pattern knuckle
1979-1985 mini truck used the large bolt pattern the same as landcruiser, but used a solid rotor

 

[EWheeler]

I'm considering front disc brakes on my '75 FJ40.... looking at Wilwoods big brake disc conversion kit. This forum has been a big help in my research, so I'm asking for feedback from those who have had experience with this option. I'm also open to other recommendations too.

Some specifics on this rig:
- has a small block 350
- Saginaw power steering
- 4in suspension lift
- running 33in rubber on 15in rims

Hoping to hear what others have to say.... Thanks!

I have the drum conversion Wilwood kit on the front of my '71. I don't think it's considered a big brake conversion. This is the kit:

Wilwood Front Disc Brake Conversion Kit for 1970-1975 Toyota Land Cruisers - BTB Products - Land Cruiser Restoration and Parts

Wilwood Front Disc Brake Conversion Kit for 1970-1975 Toyota Land Cruisers. We recommend upgrading your Brake Booster and Master Cylinder Combination.

btbprod.com

It stops the truck fine. I did not install the kit. If I was going to do a front disc conversion myself, I would do as suggested above and go with Toyota parts for no reason other than I think the Wilwood kit is very expensive for what it is.

 

[centerlineseal]

It stops the truck fine. I did not install the kit. If I was going to do a front disc conversion myself, I would do as suggested above and go with Toyota parts

I have the kit on my '75, ... installed by previous owner more than 12 years ago. Everything is fine and stops well. 33s, shackle reversal on front, 2.5" lift in back, 350 in front of an NV4500.

Did the Toyota parts thing on our '72, ... it is stellar stopping the 35's.

 

[centerlineseal]

BTW, ... Welcome to MUD!

 

[jim land]

With a V8 and 33 , you should go for 79 - 90 factory toyota parts , bigger birfield with aisin locking hubs, and the possibility to upgrade to chromo axles like rcv

 

[fireflyr]

Which master cylinder are you going to use? I converted to 4 wheel discs years ago with Poser’s brackets and Monte Carlo calipers. I want to say I bought the Wilwood master through JTOutfitters. It’s an un-boosted, 1” bore, dual circuit MC. Always stopped straight and I ditched the proportioning valve when I installed the LS. I hate drums. Now the only things I have them on is a 1974 Moto Guzzi Eldorado and my 2017 Tacoma. They both suck.

 

[peesalot]

Curious, did the 75 have a boosted dual circuit MC oem ?

 

[JackA]

Curious, did the 75 have a boosted dual circuit MC oem ?

All 40s got a boosted dual circuit master cylinder starting 7/70.

 

[3_puppies]

another thing I forgot to mention, is if it is Toyota stuff, you should be able to get parts at most auto parts houses
the Wilwood may be tougher to find replacement stuff down the road

 

[pb4ugo]

The problem with aftermarket kits, is they don't address the drum brake coarse spline birfields. If your not going to wheel it really hard there's nothing wrong with small pattern knuckles. I ran those for years. If you want a slight upgraded version go with large pattern knuckles. The parts are a little more beefy .

 

[6f40j9]

Bringing this back due to a recent search result.
I bought a used front end a couple years ago with a Wilwood kit of some sort.
I don’t know what caliper, but I did have to grind them to it the stock welded steel wheel, which doesn’t sound like the man a fre/BTB kit.
Well, this winter I’m going to change the pads but I’m just wondering how to order them, as I don’t remember seeing a part number on the caliper at all.
Anyone have any input as to what caliper I have, how to check, or what pads I need?
Thanks!