Cullen,

You really don't need to go to extremes to get good braking with a Vanagon.

Stick with good solid stock Brembo rotors / cross drilling really isn't
necessary, or advised for Vanagon applications.
http://busdepot.com/details.jsp?partnumber=251407617A

Change your master cylinder, its an easy job and improves braking.
http://busdepot.com/details.jsp?partnumber=251611021CEC

Standard pads are good
http://busdepot.com/details.jsp?partnumber=D195A

Go with 2 new front calipers... you'll have to custom bend brake lines, but
that is a simple task.
http://www.gowesty.com/ec_view_details.php?id=3670&search_phrase=brake%20cal
ipers&start=

The front brake hoses can make a world of difference, if you have never
replaced them.  A cheap and quick fix as well.
http://www.gowesty.com/ec_view_details.php?id=3451&search_phrase=brake%20lin
es&start=

There are "power slot" rotors, however I fail to see the value and frankly,
just replacing lines and components will give you all the stopping you will
ever need.

Use a good dot-4, brake fluid, like Castrol LMA.

By the way, when you change the front rotors, you need to do the wheel
bearings as well.

I just went through all of the above on my 84 Westy Wolfie, and couldn't be
happier.  Plenty of stopping power, even with a full load!

Hope this helps!

Jack R.

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Cullen Stewart
Sent: Tuesday, August 12, 2008 5:30 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Brake upgrades

I would like to have better braking in my westy. It is fine with just me in
it. When I add a weeks worth of gear, 3 dogs, a wife and young son it gets a
little unnerving. Is their a brake pad that is truly superior? Should I have
the rotors drilled?