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mrfusn Samba Member
Joined: May 08, 2017 Posts: 71 Location: Portland, Oregon
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Posted: Tue Nov 19, 2019 5:29 pm Post subject: big brake upgrade: ID'ing 85 spindles that look like 86+ |
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I'm getting into a frontend rebuild and as it happens, I also lucked out on a pair of 86+ spindles on CL for $200 so I'm planning on doing a big brake upgrade at this time.
I used such posts as this and this to determine that I acquired 86+ flatter, near/far tie rod end hole versions. Looks like I've got the PS (near) style.
Lo and behold, the next time I really take a look under my van, it looks like my spindles are of the same flat oval shape on the end, at least from the bottom. I also have PS.
I called GW (unsure as to whether I'm going with them, Burley, or SC, but...) to inquire as to another way to check—it seems VERY unlikely (given knowledge of PO's as well as state of bushings/ball joints) that my 85 would have had these swapped, but I wanted to be sure. The tech mentioned to check the brake pads and compare to pictures of either the -85 or 86+ versions. Without pulling things apart too much (this is my DD and I'm not inclined to touch the brakes just yet), I can definitively see two right angles on a pad, which matches the -85 version.
My question then is: how can you truly ID spindles alone, then? How can I be sure the spare ones I've got are 86+ before I pull everything apart and start putting everything together and find out the hard way? The seller "had them as spares" for a Carat so I don't know as if they've definitively been put on an 86+. _________________ ‘86 GL Syncro Weekender w/ Subaru EJ25
'85 GL sunroof turned pop top w/ WB 2.1 |
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Wellington Samba Member
Joined: September 21, 2004 Posts: 1889 Location: Montreal
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Posted: Tue Nov 19, 2019 6:05 pm Post subject: Re: big brake upgrade: ID'ing 85 spindles that look like 86+ |
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The difference is where the caliper mounts.
The mounting holes if I recall correctly are machined flat on both sides of the bolt holes for 86+, I think what you pictured is pre 86. |
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mrfusn Samba Member
Joined: May 08, 2017 Posts: 71 Location: Portland, Oregon
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Posted: Tue Nov 19, 2019 6:27 pm Post subject: Re: big brake upgrade: ID'ing 85 spindles that look like 86+ |
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Ok, so looking at my supposed-86+ spares, they have inside (looks machined):
And then on the outside (is not machined):
As best I can see on my van, it looks the same, since the caliper is attached on the inside, and the outside of the bolt holes (no sign of bolt end) is about 1/4" away from the inside of the rotor.
So, I got scammed on the spares, it sounds like? Also, no big brakes for me! _________________ ‘86 GL Syncro Weekender w/ Subaru EJ25
'85 GL sunroof turned pop top w/ WB 2.1 |
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mrfusn Samba Member
Joined: May 08, 2017 Posts: 71 Location: Portland, Oregon
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Posted: Tue Nov 19, 2019 10:48 pm Post subject: Re: big brake upgrade: ID'ing 85 spindles that look like 86+ |
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Contrast with Burley's pic of late-model spindles... does seem that the caliper bolt holes are machined on the outside.
_________________ ‘86 GL Syncro Weekender w/ Subaru EJ25
'85 GL sunroof turned pop top w/ WB 2.1 |
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mrfusn Samba Member
Joined: May 08, 2017 Posts: 71 Location: Portland, Oregon
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Posted: Tue Nov 19, 2019 11:02 pm Post subject: Re: big brake upgrade: ID'ing 85 spindles that look like 86+ |
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Here is another good post that mentions the bolt holes and the flat on both sides.
I think I may have misread the posts referenced above that referred to early/late to be before and after the 85/86 transition. What I think they actually refer to is early / manual and later dual manual/power steering cast parts, all 85 and earlier.
So... anyone need some pre-86 spindles?
At least I caught it before I ordered the brake upgrade. What a bummer though. _________________ ‘86 GL Syncro Weekender w/ Subaru EJ25
'85 GL sunroof turned pop top w/ WB 2.1 |
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levi Samba Member
Joined: February 11, 2005 Posts: 5522 Location: Las Vegas
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Posted: Wed Nov 20, 2019 2:31 am Post subject: Re: big brake upgrade: ID'ing 85 spindles that look like 86+ |
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Bolt holes threaded = pre 86
At least that's what I remember from when I swapped my 85 to 86+ _________________ One of these days I'm gonna settle down,
but till I do I won't be hangin round.
Going down that long lonesome highway,
gonna see life my way
https://youtu.be/cSrL0BXsO40 |
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ajdenette Samba Member
Joined: February 15, 2009 Posts: 768 Location: Hope Valley RI
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Posted: Wed Nov 20, 2019 5:39 pm Post subject: Re: big brake upgrade: ID'ing 85 spindles that look like 86+ |
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There was some one on here or FB who has successfully machined early spindles to late spindle specs in order to install a brake upgrade. There was also someone here or there working on a brake upgrade specifically for early vans. But yes the threads inside the caliper mounting holes and the machining on one side is the way to determine early and late spindles. _________________ 1985 2wd Westy with 2000 Subaru 2.2 current driver
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=685635
1986 Syncro Doka Project next in line
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=732777
1990 Vanagon Syncro Base awaiting body work |
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shagginwagon83 Samba Member
Joined: February 07, 2016 Posts: 3800 Location: VA/TN
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Posted: Wed Nov 20, 2019 9:04 pm Post subject: Re: big brake upgrade: ID'ing 85 spindles that look like 86+ |
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I'm looking for a set myself. I know the thread mentioned above. It might have been on Facebook! I have the info somewhere but I'm not ready to upgrade.
I started using OneNote to keep track of projects on the van. For example I have aux battery page, roof rack page, suspension page. I need to make a brake page. On a page you can slap photos on there and text blocks.
Anyway, when you see some valuable photos, save them to the respectful page. Maybe it's not something you're ready to do right now but it's also a reminder of cool upgrades. _________________ Brandon
"Jo Ann" - '83.5 Westfalia EJ22e w/Peloquin
Instagram @joannthevan |
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