jtoutfitters front disc conversion
- Thread starter attackchef
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victims lurk among us 
Alright, I'm relatively new to this site and am never really active (so perhaps I have little right in saying anything), but I've done searches on this exact topic and feel the need to at least comment.
I've installed two complete front and rear disc kits from these guys (well, the rears I just bought the brackets). What initially appealed to me was that I could get 4 wheel disc brakes utilizing all the exact same parts...and parts that are easily attainable. I can get rotors, pads, calipers, and caliper bolts anywhere, and I don't have mismatched parts from front to rear. Moreover, I'm putting all new parts on my rig. Yes, there are very good alternatives (ie. mini truck, 60/62, etc) but I still don't get new parts and somebody's going to have to convince me that mini truck brakes are really that much better than gm brakes. As far as staying "all Toyota"...how many of you don't even have your original F or 2F motor anymore?
One thing I've yet to hear in all the bashing is a REALLY good reason why this kit isn't good... Has anybody used this kit and gotten into an accident? Has anybody had something break because of it? Is there hard evidence that it doesn't stop as well as the other options? If so, personally, I'd really like to hear about it (hate to think I'm driving around with something that's about to grenade). It seems this topic has been consistently addressed with some very strong opinions being thrown out there, but I've yet to hear how the premise behind the kit is bad. My truck (fj40) stops good and straight (haven't driven the 55 yet). As far as poor fabrication...I thought so as well the first time I did the install...turned out it was user error, didn't grind the calipers properly nor did I clean the knuckles well 'nuf. Once I got past my mistakes, everything bolted up just fine (on both kits).
Considering JTO's poor customer service...I've purchased a number of things from them...I prefer doing business with many of the other great LC supporters out there, but these guys have never been jerks to me. Shipping is a bit slow, I've had a somewhat difficult time getting a hold of them when I had to call them (ie. when I thought the fabrication was wacked), but it's kinda like an ambush...if you know it's coming, you're better equipped to come out on top. Their prices are good...and as in all things, you do get what you pay for...so as I said, just keep that in mind. Personally (and at least until somebody gives me some evidence), I'd say the kit itself isn't bad, and as far as ease of parts replacement, is actually better than the other kits out there (frankly, I'd say almost even better than using alternate Toyota parts).
just my 2 cents...a long 2 cents
I've installed two complete front and rear disc kits from these guys (well, the rears I just bought the brackets). What initially appealed to me was that I could get 4 wheel disc brakes utilizing all the exact same parts...and parts that are easily attainable. I can get rotors, pads, calipers, and caliper bolts anywhere, and I don't have mismatched parts from front to rear. Moreover, I'm putting all new parts on my rig. Yes, there are very good alternatives (ie. mini truck, 60/62, etc) but I still don't get new parts and somebody's going to have to convince me that mini truck brakes are really that much better than gm brakes. As far as staying "all Toyota"...how many of you don't even have your original F or 2F motor anymore?
One thing I've yet to hear in all the bashing is a REALLY good reason why this kit isn't good... Has anybody used this kit and gotten into an accident? Has anybody had something break because of it? Is there hard evidence that it doesn't stop as well as the other options? If so, personally, I'd really like to hear about it (hate to think I'm driving around with something that's about to grenade). It seems this topic has been consistently addressed with some very strong opinions being thrown out there, but I've yet to hear how the premise behind the kit is bad. My truck (fj40) stops good and straight (haven't driven the 55 yet). As far as poor fabrication...I thought so as well the first time I did the install...turned out it was user error, didn't grind the calipers properly nor did I clean the knuckles well 'nuf. Once I got past my mistakes, everything bolted up just fine (on both kits).
Considering JTO's poor customer service...I've purchased a number of things from them...I prefer doing business with many of the other great LC supporters out there, but these guys have never been jerks to me. Shipping is a bit slow, I've had a somewhat difficult time getting a hold of them when I had to call them (ie. when I thought the fabrication was wacked), but it's kinda like an ambush...if you know it's coming, you're better equipped to come out on top. Their prices are good...and as in all things, you do get what you pay for...so as I said, just keep that in mind. Personally (and at least until somebody gives me some evidence), I'd say the kit itself isn't bad, and as far as ease of parts replacement, is actually better than the other kits out there (frankly, I'd say almost even better than using alternate Toyota parts).
just my 2 cents...a long 2 cents
Welcome becker.... thanks for your input
Well, read my post. Their F'n parts don't fit. Has nothing to do with performance, but being able to install them in the first place. Add to that their customer service, or lack of.
Welcome to MUD you ABQ dweller
.
Just as an aside, CRUISERPARTS.NET has a solution using all original used Toyota parts from later model cruisers. If Toyota reliability and genuine parts mean anything, maybe that is the way to go. You could also always buy a complete later model axle assembly with the disk brakes and either part your own out or sell it to a Zuker. I do really hate saying something bad about anybody, but I don't like being treated like dirt. I got more support on my issue with the JT PS kit from someone who hadn't sold me anything in the first place (Lance Williams at Iron Pig) than I did from the folks at JT who did. Guess who gets my business next time. I actually wound up buying his proper width PS pump pully and pump mounting bracket to replace the bracket and pulley from JT that doesn't line up or handle the wider FJ40 belt. I suppose JT actually has a lot of good stuff, but I'd be careful of spending much on one item and expecting some support or backing if you need help or it doesn't work like you expected. GOOD LUCK! LC
thorvald
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Do a search on JTO and you will find why people dislike the vendor. I've only bought from them once and it worked out, but shipping was slow.
Nothing bad personally, but with all the stories on here, I wouldn't buy from them again.
As far as the kit goes, I don't know anyones really bashing the quality of this particular kit (do a search on disk brakes, theres other threads even on the JTO kit) and what people are mostly saying, IMO is that the kit is fine, but you gain much more for less money by going with FJ60 parts.
a. stronger birfields
b. stronger steering arms
c. opportunity to repack the knuckle if it hasn't been done (more than likely not)
The cost of the mini/fj60 conversion can easily be cheaper than the kit with the advantages mentioned.
absolutely the shiznit - I got them
$$$ though
finding replacement pads (without waiting for having them shipped from Man-a-Fre) was not easy, but not too difficult, either
I have nothing to say about them after reading all the threads about them, but this cracked me up, Ed.Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how did you like the play?
I got a set (whole MAF kit) on Ebay with instructions and all parts for $400. Did well.
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I've used both the front and rear disc kits and they both worked great but I ended up switching out the front kit for mini truck knuckles because I needed something stronger for 37" tires, as long as you're happy with coarse birfs, I wouldn't see a problem with running the kit.
dgangle
total rice
I call bulls****. Summit has in stock every compound available for these, they ship the same day and are not really that expensive. ~$40 for an axle IIRC.
summitracing.com
i think you missed a zero. $400 for pads??
Reads this:
https://forum.ih8mud.com/40-55-series-tech/176541-another-front-disk-conversion-kit-who.html
See post 6 and related links to threads discussing this exact subject.
https://forum.ih8mud.com/40-55-series-tech/119645-disc-brakes.html
...and another. see #11
https://forum.ih8mud.com/40-55-series-tech/111245-disc-brake-conversion.html
...more. Post 3
https://forum.ih8mud.com/40-55-series-tech/79941-disc-brake-conv-best.html
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No. $400 for the entire MAF kit.
dgangle
total rice
Good score. That's a decent price considering what it costs new. I misinterpreted your post, sorry.
Depending on the age of your kit you might want to know that Wilwood no longer carries any rebuild parts for the sand-cast calipers that came as part of the MAF kits in the past. Several years ago I had this set up and had to rebuild one caliper as the pistons were seized and was told by Wilwood that I got the last rebuild kit in existence. Comforting.
Depending on the age of your kit you might want to know that Wilwood no longer carries any rebuild parts for the sand-cast calipers that came as part of the MAF kits in the past. Several years ago I had this set up and had to rebuild one caliper as the pistons were seized and was told by Wilwood that I got the last rebuild kit in existence. Comforting.
