You would have to get the steering knuckles off an '86 or newer model in
order to use the newer brake rotors and calipers, David.

Mike

David Kao wrote:
> Can it be done to put 86+ brake calipers and rotators on an earlier
> 1.9 Vanagons? Are the spindles compatible between the two?
>
> The front brake of my 84 and 83.5 have been a constant issue to me. I
> found that I have to use only OEM pads for the front brake to work. Tried
> many aftermaket pads with no luck. They are not even close to be usable
> in my several attempts to use them. VW must have realized the brake issue
> so they upgraded it for the 86+ models among other reasons.
>
> I am concerned that once VW dealers no longer carry them I would be
> out of luck for good brake pads.
>
> David
>
>
>
>
>
> --- Mark Drillock <mdrillock@COX.NET> wrote:
>
>> The main thing is to find one that has been loved enough to be worth
>> committing yourself to and don't worry too much about the year.
>>
>> As Scott says, the later sliding door is a huge improvement that all 85
>> and newer models have. The better parking brake was phased in during the
>> 85 model year and many 85s don't have it. Ditto for the plastic coolant
>> pipes and cast front lower arms. At least the newer and much better
>> parking brake can be easily added to earlier models.
>>
>> The 86+ has more powerful front brakes to go with the more powerful
>> engine. Better caliper design, more pad area, larger effective diameter
>> rotor and of greater thickness.
>>
>> The upgraded wiring found in 86+ is a more robust and versatile system
>> though I'm not sure too many owners would notice the difference.
>>
>> Lots of small changes were made after 86 as well and the vehicle just
>> got a little bit better year by year. I prefer 87 and later but 85 is a
>> sweet spot in the value curve and 86 is only slightly different than 87.
>>
>> Mark
>>
>
>
>
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