I suggest  the back because if you need brake work anyway it will be fairly cost effective to upgrade the rear.  You get a much easier system to maintain, a strong emergency brake. And likely if the rest of the system is good a stronger brake pedle.  Front on the 86 is already better then my 85 so the back gives you a easier upgrade. 

For the 85 it will help until you find the spindles or someone makes a  kit for the earlier vanagon.

Eric Caron 

> On Jun 10, 2021, at 11:15 AM, Gil Ngai <eyebawlgil@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> 
> Great input everyone.
> I'll definitely consider refreshing the existing brakes now.
> 
> Eric, why do you suggest upgrading the back first? Doesn't the front take
> the brunt of the braking?
> And what is a booster with a dash out?
> 
> •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
> *GIL NGAI* • *I TELL GOOD STORIES - 85 GL Manual*
> *cinematographer • **chief storyteller • instructor*
> * www.dayonemedia.ca <http://www.dayone-media.com/> *
> 
> 
> On Thu, Jun 10, 2021 at 7:46 AM Eric Caron <ericcaron96@comcast.net> wrote:
> 
>> A few thoughts from a 85 with upgraded brakes.
>> 
>> Getting the front spindles first seemed a challenge but then a friend was
>> parting out a 87 and basically handed them to me. There is a supply at a
>> local place near me but you have to take them off yourself and he charges
>> an ever changing amount depending on how he feels that day.
>> 
>> But, for the rear discs it is much easier.
>> 
>> I’d almost recommend starting with the rear disc upgrade then a refresh on
>> the front.
>> 
>> My brakes are better but not as good as other vans with the same big
>> brakes.
>> 
>> My next step is to replace the booster this winter with a dash out refresh
>> project.
>> 
>> Eric Caron
>> 85 GL Auto
>> Stopping better for sure, even with more power and speed being used.
>> 
>> Eric Caron
>> 85 GL auto
>> 
>>> On Jun 9, 2021, at 10:29 PM, Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
>> wrote:
>>> 
>>> I think the biggest hurdle for those considering the Big Brake upgrade
>> on an '85 like me and Gil, is the need and expense for acquiring those 86+
>> Spindles.  Not to mention the 16" wheels.  For room for all the stuff to
>> fit.  Not to mention the labor.  Ugh...it gets immediately costly.  Very.
>> You can replace a lot of rotors and pads and stuff for a lot less.
>>> Yeah....I got the 16" wheels...so it is possible.  Still, my instincts
>> and words of wisdom from mechanic:  stick with stock.  Get them newly
>> furnished; pads and rotors and wheel cylinders, those ones that eventually
>> leak.  Same with rear brakes.  They are fine brakes.  Even better if you've
>> got manual transmission and can utilize engine load to help braking.
>>> 
>>>   On Wednesday, June 9, 2021, 7:00:05 PM PDT, Bruce Todd <
>> beeceetee@gmail.com> wrote:
>>> 
>>> Steep grades with a number of tight corners pretty much have made me
>>> consider the upgrade. Overall though I am happy with the stock brakes
>>> around town or on the highway but not so much in those relatively rare
>> but
>>> other instances.
>>> 
>>> Bruce
>>> 
>>> 
>>> On Wednesday, June 9, 2021, Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net>
>> wrote:
>>> 
>>>>  My Subie Converter also does Big Brake Conversions.  While initially
>> test
>>>> driving with the mechanic on my new EJ22 conversion, I asked him about
>> Big
>>>> Brake Conversions.  He has done many.  He paused, and said, "My Boss
>> would
>>>> kill me for this....but those Big Brake conversions are not all they are
>>>> cracked up to be."
>>>> Refreshing your current brakes with all new stuff might be something to
>>>> consider.  Lots of opinions on this matter.
>>>> 
>>>>    On Wednesday, June 9, 2021, 3:08:25 PM PDT, Gil Ngai <
>>>> eyebawlgil@gmail.com> wrote:
>>>> 
>>>>  Hello All,
>>>> 
>>>> I have a 1985 GL in Alberta, Canada.
>>>> To do a Big Brake conversion, I understand I need the spindles and
>> caliper
>>>> bolts from an '86 and up. Do I need anything else?
>>>> And are Burly and GoWesty the only sources to purchase?
>>>> Is there a more economical option?
>>>> The USD converted to Canadian plus shipping is just deadly.
>>>> 
>>>> •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
>>>> *GIL NGAI* • *I TELL GOOD STORIES*
>>>> *cinematographer • **chief storyteller • instructor*
>>>> * www.dayonemedia.ca <http://www.dayone-media.com/> *
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>> 
>>