I concur.
I've heard the same thing ..86 and later 2WD front brakes are an
improvement in brake performance.
Have not found time or need to do it myself though.

On 6/4/2012 1:22 PM, Rocket J Squirrel wrote:
> Thanks! I'll hang and see if anyone else chimes in with info.
>
> --
> Jack "Rocket j Squirrel" Elliott
> 1984 Westfalia, auto trans,
> Bend, Ore.
>
> On 06/04/2012 11:55 AM, pickle vanagon wrote:
>> You can upgrade to the later style brakes.  This involves replacing the
>> spindles with some "good used" spindles, then you just bolt on later
>> style calipers..  My understanding is that the pads on later vans are
>> bigger, although I've never had a later-year van and haven't done this
>> upgrade so this is just hearsay coming from me.
>>
>> I believe this is the only "upgrade" option that works with the stock
>> wheels.
>>
>> On Mon, Jun 4, 2012 at 2:34 PM, Rocket J Squirrel
>> <camping.elliott@gmail.com <mailto:camping.elliott@gmail.com>> wrote:
>>
>>     On 06/04/2012 11:05 AM, Ken Wilford wrote:
>>
>>         Yes we have been selling the big brake kits for many, many
>> years and
>>         folks who have to deal with brake fade in the mountains or have
>>         a more
>>         powerful engine should go with the big brake kit. The only
>> caveat is
>>         that you need to have 15" rims or larger to use the big brake
>> kit.
>>
>>
>>     Do any big brakes kits fit my stock wheels? I do a lot of mountain
>>     driving, pulling a small trailer. Have not had brake issues yet,
>> but I
>>     know I'm running on the edge.
>>
>>     --
>>     Jack "Rocket j Squirrel" Elliott
>>     1984 Westfalia, auto trans,
>>     Bend, Ore.
>>
>>
>