ok so I have access to some nice fj55 landcruiser axles and was wondering if anyone has done a conversion of drum brakes up front? I know some have used from the knuckles out on mini truck axles to convert these to disc brakes but I think if thats done then why not just swap the mini truck axles in. I just got these for $75 and they are great and dont feel like changing them to disc up front.

Drum brakes up front were once quite common, but they went the way of the dinosaurs, and for pretty much the same reason - disks provide so much more stopping power, along with some very appealing "side effects" such as reduced brake fade and unsprung weight.

I believe you'll still find front drums on some big rigs, and once they are large enough, they will stop the vehicle, but I'm not certain I would want them on my off-roader - the first time you get them filled with mud & water, not only will you have significantly reduced braking power, but the grit destroys both linings & drum quite rapidly.

I know this is not what you asked, but, I believe it's worth mentioning.

X-2

We had an old Military Surplus WC-22 on the Farm when "Hey, take the kid out and teach him how to drive!!"

Once the brakes got soaked in the creek crossing, it was like NO BRAKES!! until they heated up to "Burn" the water
out of the linings. (it might have been everything else in the drums too, brake dust, axle grease, mud)
 but it was a hell of a scare to have virtually NO BRAKES.

My 2 bits,

CAPT

As long as the drums are set up properly, you have a vehicle half the weight of the one those axles came off of so I do not see it being a huge issue. That being said, the type of wheeling also makes a difference. If you do a lot of mud, the shoes will be worn out a lot faster as it will build up in the drum. As for swapping the mini axle complete as apposed to just the knuckles and brakes, the Cruiser axles should be equal width and both are offset as apposed to just the front on the Mini truck. In my opinion, I would say swap them in give them a chance and if you have issues, swap it over to disk and have fun.

thanks for the info guys I will do more research before swapping them but as far as mudding goes I will mainly be sticking to the rocks here in utah. Anyone have a link they have found where someone has setup drums up front?

drum brakes suck. plain and simple.

As long as the drums are set up properly, you have a vehicle half the weight of the one those axles came off of so I do not see it being a huge issue. That being said, the type of wheeling also makes a difference. If you do a lot of mud, the shoes will be worn out a lot faster as it will build up in the drum. As for swapping the mini axle complete as apposed to just the knuckles and brakes, the Cruiser axles should be equal width and both are offset as apposed to just the front on the Mini truck. In my opinion, I would say swap them in give them a chance and if you have issues, swap it over to disk and have fun.

this is a moot point once water and contamination is introduced.
also you will have proportional valve issues. drums actually require more operating pressure than disc's. if you plan on 40+ inch tires in the future the cruiser front might be more than necessary the pumpkin is much larger than mini truck stuff. you should be able to sell it for enough to get a good usable P/U front axle and skip the extra steps.
MY 2 pennies.

thanks jluck I did talk to a few more guys on pirate and some buddies of mine and I will be getting rid of these for mini truck, just hope I can get enough for atleast one good axle. What axles do most people use?

79-85 toy pickup. look for 84-85 if you can find a good one. they have a stronger housing.

Thank you I appreciate the help.

Thank you I appreciate the help.

no problemo....when I'm not being a smart ass I occasionally help people.