Proportioning Valve?/ New Member

[corpseal]

Hello everyone. Been lurking for awhile, but must get serious about restoring my 73 J4000.

I am converting to front disc brakes, using 77 Wagoneer calipers and master cylinder and have 2 issues so far. One is what to do about a proportioning valve. Have used the search engine and read about a zillion links which confused me even more. Some say no change from stock valve necessary, and some indicate I would need a valve from a 77 Wagoneer for example.

Also, the brake lines attached to my stock master cylinder on the passenger side, while the newer disc brake masters (77 Wagoneer for example) attach on the driver side? Will it be possible to use a tubing bender to modify the existing rigid brake lines, or what do you suggest?

Looking forward to being a more active member.

Ernie

[Jeepzilla]

If you have front discs and rear drums, then proportioning valve is essential. Discs take less juice to activate, therefore need the valve. Dual reservior master cylinder also mandatory. Seems easy to transpalnt the whole mess. Just copy the plumbing. Existing brake line might as well be replaced if you are going to all the trouble. Don't know about ready bent kits...

[letank]

73.... you may as well buy a tube bender and some new brake lines. Not a difficult job. you need the special wrench so you do not round off the heads of the fittings... wisegrip works one way.....

More likely they are rusted inside... how is the color of the brake fluid?

Cheers
Michel
74 wag (yes with new front brake lines)

[corpseal]

Thanks for the replys Jeepzilla and Michel. Have a tubing bender on order just in case. Will probably buy some flexible brake line plus fittings from JC Whitney (the only source I have seen for this), and also a flare wrench for the fittings. I will probably replace all the brake lines due to age and have a totally new brake system.

My main dilemma is the proportioning valve, and whether I need to change the stock valve (drum brakes all around) to a valve used in a front disc brake equipped vehicle????? I have not had any luck finding a new valve for example, for a 77 wagoneer, which is the vehicle that was suggested I purchase rebuilt calipers and master cylinder for to finish my conversion. One of the web sites suggested that since the rear drum brakes had only 30-40% of the stopping power of the new front disc brakes, the system would work effectively using the stock (4wheel drums) proportioning valve. Anybody know whether I can successfully keep my stock proportioning valve??? Thanks.

Ernie

[letank]

you can buy aftermarket proportionning valve, i know that the mustang guy do it all the time, check with some classic car publication.

the only downgrade on the aftermarket is that you loose the electrical connection that warns you if you loose the pressure on the front or rear braking system

as for the flexible brake line, i got mine from either 4X4 wholesaler (sp?) or ... i need to check with my receipt book. It was about $100 for 2 front and 1 rear flexible

you can send me direct email to remind me

baleam@anesthesia.ucsf.edu

Cheers

Michel