The South African Big Brake kit (front wheels only) is pretty close to a simple bolt on...at least for Syncro Vanagons. I can't speak of the issues with an older, and especially (former) aircooled Vanagon. That helps for the fronts. Of course, yes you do have to convert to 15" wheels to accomodate the larger discs and calipers. For the rears, I understand that some places have a larger drum, but I went with SmallCars rear disc brakes. I've extremely satisfied with the result (big brakes in front, and discs in the rear). Largest load I've carried so far since the upgrade was around 3000 pounds (split between a trailer and the inside of my Westy). Braking was not a problem (yes I did have to give myself a trifle more room, but less than with 1500 pounds of load with stock brakes). |
Please note - During the past 17 years of operation, several gigabytes of
Vanagon mail messages have been archived. Searching the entire collection
will take up to five minutes to complete. Please be patient!
Return to the archives @ gerry.vanagon.com
The vanagon mailing list archives are copyright (c) 1994-2011, and may not be reproduced without the express written permission of the list administrators. Posting messages to this mailing list grants a license to the mailing list administrators to reproduce the message in a compilation, either printed or electronic. All compilations will be not-for-profit, with any excess proceeds going to the Vanagon mailing list.
Any profits from list compilations go exclusively towards the management and operation of the Vanagon mailing list and vanagon mailing list web site.