Originally Posted by
Petrol & Powder
That Chevy 153 4 cylinder isn't a powerhouse but parts are available (a lot of the minor components are the same as GM six cylinder parts).
I wouldn't be afraid of drum brakes without a booster, drum brakes don't require the high hydraulic pressure disc brakes do to achieve full braking force. Drum brake DO suffer when they get wet (something that happens with great frequency with an off-road vehicle). Informed operators know how to anticipate wet brakes and how to dry them.
That Jeep doesn't weigh a lot and drums will work just fine. Make certain the drums are true (you may need to have them turned on brake lathe). Make sure they are adjusted properly and check all of the lines. If the system still has the single piston master cylinder, really pay attention to all of the lines and hoses. A failure anywhere will disable the entire system. A lot of people convert those single piston master cylinders to duel piston master cylinders. With drums all around, the single piston setup work just fine, you just need to have a good hydraulic system (all lines, hoses and wheel cylinders in good condition).