Hi Ken,

I live in Vermont,  We have some Green mountains here.

I have  the GW kit.  I have 17 inch wheels.  I think the rear work with 15 but I’d recommend 16 or 17 for future options up front.

Others will have more info I’m sure.

Eric Caron 

> On Jun 10, 2021, at 12:27 PM, Kenneth O'Connor <kenneth.oconnor@gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> Hello Eric,
> 
> Which rear disc brake system did you install? Where do you live? In Seattle, I rely heavily on the parking brake as I'm constantly parking on steep hills. Did you need to use 16" wheels to fit the rear discs that you installed?
> 
> Thank You,
> 
> Ken
> 
> On Thu, Jun 10, 2021 at 8:58 AM Eric Caron <ericcaron96@comcast.net <mailto:ericcaron96@comcast.net>> wrote:
> 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 <mailto: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.dayonemedia.ca/> <http://www.dayone-media.com/ <http://www.dayone-media.com/>> *
> > 
> > 
> > On Thu, Jun 10, 2021 at 7:46 AM Eric Caron <ericcaron96@comcast.net <mailto: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 <mailto: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 <mailto: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 <mailto: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 <mailto: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.dayonemedia.ca/> <http://www.dayone-media.com/ <http://www.dayone-media.com/>> *
> >>>> 
> >>>> 
> >>> 
> >>