Has anyone installed JL brakes on a JK?

Yes — you can absolutely use JL front brakes on a JK, and it’s one of the best “OEM-plus” upgrades you can do 👍
Since you’re on 17″ wheels, you’re in the sweet spot.

Here’s the straight, no-BS breakdown.

✅ JL → JK Front Brake Swap (What Works)​

The JL 2-piston front brakes bolt onto a 2010 JK with very minor changes and give you:

  • Bigger pads
  • Stronger clamping force
  • Better heat handling
  • Noticeably better stopping with 35s
This swap is very common and well proven.

🔧 What You Need (Front Only)​

You’ll need JL-spec front parts:

  • JL 2-piston front calipers (left + right)
  • JL front rotors (larger diameter than JK)
  • JL front brake pads
  • JL caliper brackets
  • Banjo bolts (JL calipers use a different bolt style)
  • Brake hose tweak (details below)

🔩 Brake Line / Hose Details (Important)​

  • Your JK brake hoses will bolt up, but:
    • You may need a slight bend correction or
    • Use JL-style rubber hoses or stainless JK lines with JL banjo
  • Nothing custom or sketchy — just pay attention during install

❌ What You DON’T Need​

  • ❌ Master cylinder upgrade (front-only swap)
  • ❌ Booster upgrade
  • ❌ Proportioning valve changes
  • ❌ ABS programming
Pedal feel stays good. Slightly more travel is normal, but it firms up well.

🛞 Wheel Fitment​

  • 17″ wheels = perfect
  • Clears stock JL calipers easily
  • No spacer required (unless your wheels already need one)

🔥 How Big Is the Improvement?​

Compared to stock JK brakes:

  • ✔️ Much better initial bite
  • ✔️ Way less fade on hills
  • ✔️ Handles heavier tires better
  • ✔️ Feels more modern and confident
This is exactly why so many JK owners do this swap.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid​

  • Mixing JK rotors with JL calipers (won’t work)
  • Forgetting the banjo bolt difference
  • Not properly bleeding the ABS system
  • Using cheap pads (pads matter a LOT here)

My Honest Recommendation for You​

Since you want a good upgrade (not just “better than stock”):

👉 JL front brakes + quality pads (PowerStop, EBC, Hawk)
👉 Keep your stock master cylinder
👉 17″ wheels = no drama
 
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That looks like a chat gpt response. I use gpt, but always double check with a known source. Often gpt will confuse years and other details. Actually, it always gets something wrong on this type of stuff. Re ask and tell it to focus on the years you need and switch to longer thinking. I bet you get a different answer.
 
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WSS said:
That looks like a chat gpt response. I use gpt, but always double check with a known source. Often gpt will confuse years and other details. Actually, it always gets something wrong on this type of stuff. Re ask and tell it to focus on the years you need and switch to longer thinking. I bet you get a different answer.
Click to expand...

Yes you are correct…ChatGPT, I already knew this was a thing from YouTube and other sources just wanted to hear from anybody that did it….ty for your response…I am going to triple check this before I fork out the dough but it seems like a very good upgrade for the older jk’s….
 
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jeeperscreapers said:
Yes you are correct…ChatGPT, I already knew this was a thing from YouTube and other sources just wanted to hear from anybody that did it….ty for your response…I am going to triple check this before I fork out the dough but it seems like a very good upgrade for the older jk’s….
Click to expand...

Make sure you make a solid "How to" for it... all too often, YouTube links go dead or can't be updated easily, so very few actually do make updates. It's nice to have a full list of part#s and what you did. I'll be considering this for my daughter's Islander if we ever bump hers up to 35"s...
 
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Not sure of the price or if mods need to be done to mount JL to the JK .
I purchased and installed Powerstop Z36 rotors & ceramic pads front & rear a couple years ago .
Great stopping power and no over heating or brake fade while descending long mountain trails .
Yes i drop to 4 low and run in 1st or second to engine brake but the brakes still get used . No overheating .
Powerstop Part No. K3097-36 Front
Powerstop Part No. K3090-36 Rear
Couple other members have run this setup as well . No problems .
Autoedits Youtube channel does a great install video and review of them .
Hope this helps .
 
Stock Master cylinder is sufficient even with pre 2012 JKs ( 3.8 ) ? I thought a Master Cylinder and booster upgrade was necessary on pre 2012 JKs if upgrading to JL Brakes, whether just front or all 4 wheels. I would love to upgrade the front brakes on my 2010 Rubicon if only requires new calipers, rotors, pads and dust shield trim, but if I need to replace the MC and booster, I will not bother.
 
Schmed69 said:
Stock Master cylinder is sufficient even with pre 2012 JKs ( 3.8 ) ? I thought a Master Cylinder and booster upgrade was necessary on pre 2012 JKs if upgrading to JL Brakes, whether just front or all 4 wheels. I would love to upgrade the front brakes on my 2010 Rubicon if only requires new calipers, rotors, pads and dust shield trim, but if I need to replace the MC and booster, I will not bother.
Click to expand...

I've read all you need are the JL and JT calipers, rotors, pads to do that conversion.
 
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