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Date:         Thu, 14 Jun 2018 22:42:41 -0400
Reply-To:     pickle vanagon <greenvanagon@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         pickle vanagon <greenvanagon@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: upgrading brakes in 83.5
Comments: To: "kenneth wilford (Van-Again)" <kenwilfy@comcast.net>
In-Reply-To:  <CANEuo0jzDnP8+NZu8J39_big4tH8QxuA2Pta0qKi9J=Cpux91A@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"

Hi Ken!

My symptom is that when I slam on the brakes, the van just doesn't stop very quickly. The van doesn't pull, there is no noise, etc., but it takes too long to stop. In particular, I am unable to get the tires to lock. Should I still be looking at the rear brakes then, even if they are a relatively small part of the stopping equation?

Thanks as always for advice!

On Thu, Jun 14, 2018 at 10:25 PM, kenneth wilford (Van-Again) < kenwilfy@comcast.net> wrote:

> Back breaks do very little on the van. Mainly for parking break. Does > maybe 20 percent of stopping. So why put rear discs where they will do the > least good? The front if anywhere is where you would want more stopping > power. > > However, unless you are traveling in the mountains with a fully loaded van > and an engine conversion, the stock brakes should be fine provided they are > in good condition and the rear shoes are installed and adjusted properly. > Most of the time poor pedal feel is actually due to improperly installed or > adjusted rear brake shoes. I know that sounds counter intuitive but that > has been my experience with these vans. > > Ken > > > On Thu, Jun 14, 2018, 10:12 PM pickle vanagon <greenvanagon@gmail.com> > wrote: > >> Pickle's stopping power has long been on my list of things to address. >> >> We have 16" CLK wheels so a bigger brake kit seems like a natural idea. >> But are late model front spindles in good condition readily obtainable? >> >> Basically here is what I'm considering: >> 1) Overhaul the rear brakes, hope for an improvement there >> 2) Rear disc brakes (i.e., the smallcar or burley kits) >> 3) somehow get some late model spindles and do the big brakes up front, in >> addition to either 1) or 2). >> >> Maybe I am being naive, but coming from an 83.5, #2 seems like it may have >> a better ratio of effectiveness to hastle than #3. >> >> >> Thoughts? >> -Wes >> >


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