Upgrade? Disc or Drum

[CaveManDave]

Hi Trike Talkers! So the new riding season is almost here.
I need to remove my 1.5" wide brake drum lug adapters. So my question is, should I buy pre-drilled brake drums for my Chevy 5x4.75 bolt pattern or make the change to disc brakes? Will a disc brake setup make enough braking difference to warrant the change?

Where would you recommend purchasing online? Thanks for your advise!

 

[peteg59]

Haven't heard from you in awhile Dave, welcome back.
Hands down, disc brakes work much better than drum.
Many places to find kits for your application.
You'll have to choose whether to have a parking brake option, but can get the rotors pre~drilled to fit the Chevy bolt patt.

CIP1.com
Appletree Auto
Car Craft

 

[CaveManDave]

Hi Pete, Yes, I had surgery on both feet and just fell off the grid for the winter.

I have read that there are some disc brake conversion kits are mushy/soft and never really work great. Do you recommend a kit that works right the first time?

 

[peteg59]

I'm running with a "basic" rear disc kit from CIP1 that does not have the parking brake option.
I opted for the stock VW 4 lug pattern on rotors, but other options were also available.
It was a real straightforward install, all done in a couple hours time.
In hindsight, I should have gone with the pb option.
Other than that, I'm a happy camper.

 

[DeathBySnuSnu]

I prefer the no park brake version.

They are usually (the generic brands) the varga style caliper that was used on ghias and type 3's.

As the old air cooled vws never did have rear disc I dont know what caliper assembly the kits use.
I have seen several different ones. The main one I remember looked to be early rabbit calipers.

That would mean that the piston area would be less than the varga's, which in turn would mean they can not deliver tha same force. Which all stands to reason, one is meant as a front caliper and the other a rear. As a car can be 80% up front and 20% in rear the calipers would be designed for the force needed.

But.
Do you really need disc?
No. Not really.
But they are nice, strong and take less maintenance. They are a big improvement from wore out drums.

But again.
If you have good, in spec, not wore out drums.
Then put a quality shoe in there.
Then put the larger bore front brake wheel cylinders in there.
Then use the smallest bore master cylinder you can get away with.
The drums will skid the tires easily and be just as strong feeling as a disc on the rear of a trike.
They do need more maintenance, keep adjusted and shoe replacement. Then there is that big 260 ft lb nut to deal with every time.
Also if you do a lot of 100mph panic stops you will notice they fade/loose force quickly.

So....do you need them.....no
But they are very nice.
If you have to buy a lot of parts you might as well get the disc.

 

[Fowler]

a few years ago I contemplated going to disk.
But I just could not justify it. Instead I did like you said and upgraded the wheel cyls
It locks up the wheels fine

 

[Cleatusj]

I've ordered a 5/8" master cylinder. I'll let you know how that works when it comes in.

 

[CaveManDave]

I have a 5/8" master cylinder and have decided to just stick with drums for now.

 

[CaveManDave]

Removed the Drums with spacers to properly drilled drums for 5x4.75. It made all the difference needed for my handling and steering shake. Good stuff!

 

[stinger608]

I went to disc a little over a year ago and haven't looked back since! Hands down the best braking solution for the VW trikes!

 

[gospicker]

conversion

I found out that it was cheaper to convert to discs than to have my drums turned and buy new shoes, etc.. I called Appletree and told them what I wanted to fit my chevy wheels and they work great. I am going to change them from the top of the disc to the front of the disc based on what I have been reading. Anyone else put them on top?

 

[DeathBySnuSnu]

I put mine toward the front.

No particular reason other than they (brake lines) fit better there.

I dont see where it matters much as long as you can get them bled.

 

[peteg59]

I have mine setup caliper to the rear. Only because it was in a better position for me to be able to monitor the pad wear, & easier access for bleeding.

Guess it depends on preference, as I've seen them run in all three mounting positions...:Shrug: