---- Rob <becida@comcast.net> wrote:
> At  3/17/2012 09:14 PM,Mike Riley wrote:
> >can anyone give me a exact size for the spacer under the rear brake
> >shoe to move it outward?
> >thanks
> >
> >mike
>
>  From the archives-
I guess I was not clear I need the diameter of the hole and the outside diameter of the spacer I seem to remember that a standard washer will not work and I don't have the luxury of going out for spacers in the middle of the job.
thanks
mike

> Date:         Sun, 12 Jul 2009 16:47:26 -0400
> Reply-To:     Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
> Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
> From:         Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
> Subject:      Re: Big brake conversion
> Comments: To: Don Hanson <dhanson928@GMAIL.COM>
> To:           vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> In-Reply-To:  <6bc66ccf0907081011y460ec51eyc18163d2c8987424@mail.gmail.com>
> X-Antivirus: AVG for E-mail 8.5.387 [270.13.12/2233]
> Content-Type: multipart/mixed; boundary="=======AVGMAIL-23792EA9======="
>
> I have to disagree a bit here. While some of this may be true for extreme
> conditions or panic stops weight distribution and other factors have a lot
> of influence. Most cars are front heavy and of course weight will shift to
> the front while stopping but the Vanagon has much more a of 50-50 weight
> bias particularly when loaded. The rear brakes can do a lot. Most folks that
> complain about Vanagon brakes have rear that are nor working properly, the
> wrong shoes, and drums that are worn oversized. VW mad things a bit worse as
> both he adjusters and cylinders are on the same end so much of the shoe is
> not contacting the drum.
>
> Want a low cost brake upgrade? Here's how:
>
> Rear brakes. Make sure the drums are in spec. Go to the dealer and get the
> shoes set, 251698531LX, List price now only $60.00.
> Get the hardware kit there also 251698545, $29.10 list.  Get a pair of ATE
> wheel cylinders. (Dealers is not a choice here).
> Remove the lower shoe mounts and shim them out 2-3mm. Put it all together.
> Make sure the cables are properly adjusted. After they seat you will be
> surprised how much the brakes will improve.
>
> For the fronts, get the PBR metal master pads. After they seat you will have
> brakes. Be sure the rotors are also within spec. I recently pulled off a set
> machined under 10mm.
>
> Dennis
>