Actually, the 82 does have the same stopping power as the 71 Westy. Same
rear brake diameter, shoe width, wheel cylinder size, etc. Front pads
are same surface area and caliper pistons also. The main problem is that
the Vanagon is heavier. For the rear brakes, get the shoes from the
dealer, ($$$). They are a metallic lining, 6mm thick with rivets that I
have not seen anywhere else. Not even the Jurid shoes sold as OEM. Make
sure the drums are not oversized and shim the lower shoe mounts if
needed to get full shoe to drum contact. For the front pads, look for a
friction rating of FF or FG. The EE often sold as long life do not
create enough friction. Make sure the front rotors are at least 11mm
thick and that all the hydraulics are healthy. Get the proportioning
valve tested if pedal feel is poor. For front upgrades, the front
spindles with brake parts and hoses from an 86+ will bolt on. Larger pad
surface area, larger single piston caliper and 15mm thick rotors to
absorb heat. Vented rotors do not help for single panic stops. They are
most helpful for extended down hill runs or if you have a lot of HP to
repeatedly accelerate and slow down.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of chris jackson
Sent: Wednesday, October 20, 2004 4:18 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Fw: brakes

----- Original Message -----
From: chris jackson
To: vanagon@volkswagen.org
Sent: Wednesday, October 20, 2004 1:15 PM
Subject: brakes

For those of us that want to stop better what can we do?
I have an 82 westy diesel & even as slow as it is it needs to stop
better.  I wish it had the stopping power of my 71 westy.  I do not have
the cash for a big upgrade.  Is there better pad, rotor, shoe & drums to
that will help & still stay within the stock specs?
Is there an after market rotor that is vented? I also need to stay with
the 14" wheel the 1.6 n/a will not push 15".

Thank you,

Chris

82 westy d
sf bay