Club 80-90 Forums

Hi Guys

I am starting to consider a big brake upgrade on my 2.1 DJ SA import Microbus. And looking at a number of links, they quite often refer to using late model uprights as apposed to early ones.
So looking at the diffrences between the two, I understand that the early uprights ran the dual piston fixed calipers which demanded wider disc and hub configuration to accomidate the wider caliper. These also (from what I can gleen), had smaller outer wheelbearings fitted than the later hub/disc upright setup. But apart from that the infromation between the early and late uprights, gets a bit woolly for me. So I am hoping someone more knowlegable than me out there would be able to tell me if there is any other signicant diffrences between the early and late uprights? And do we know if there was any subtle changes to the late uprights along the way, that would mean I would need to ensure I sourced a a pair removed from the same vehicle, to try and minimise the chances I don't get a mis-matched pair?

I hope all that makes sense?

Regards

your SA bus will have the late as we call them uprights on and sliding caliper 54s I think they are either ATE or Girling depending what was in the factory that day, certainly that was the case with the late 80s SA built syncros I doubt the 2wd were any different so you use the same stuff as a european bus of that year, it's only a couple of body panels were different and the glass and interior were locally sourced but most of your bus came from Hanover and its German suppliers

Thanks for that quality info Aidan, it's gratefully appreciated. And I did think that it should have the late model sliding caliper configuration, but unfortunately mine definitely has the early dual piston brakes fitted instead. It's definitely an '88 bus, cos I got all the dealer books when I bought the vehicle, and all the data chassis no. matches, etc and it states it was manufactured in the SA plant (can't remember exactly what it was called as I don't have the books to hand), and that it was built in 88. So I suspect at some time in it's life it has inherited some early uprights then?

I do however have one late model upright assembly (O/S) in my garage, but I can't for the life of me remember when or how I acquired it (I suspect it was a hasty fleabay purchase a couple of years ago when I was busy trying to squirrel parts away for later projects such as a big brake upgrade).
So I'm kinda thinking that all I need to do to complete the pair, is to just gun for a N/S late model upright and disc brake assy . But I am a bit hesitant to be honest, as I don't know if all late model uprights are exactly the same, and as they are quite heavy I'm a bit spooked to source a N/S one only to get it down to North Devon (as the are a bit weighty) and find it doesn't quite match my O/S one.
So if there any subtle differences, is there any easy way of telling them apart? Or would it just come down to part no. matching?

Many Thanks

Got a pair in Exeter chap if you are ever down this way. From ABS/PS model. Welcome to borrow them if you need to

Thanks for the offer Elvis, that's mighty fine of you, and nice to know there is other members down here in sunny Devon.
However I take it their not for sale? And to be perfectly honest bud, I'm trying to keep cost's to a minimum so I am quietly hoping to learn that the late uprights are all the same, and that I'll only then need to try and get my hand on a N/S unit. But many thanks for the offer all the same.
Whilst you are there tho, do you know if the ABS/PAS ones any different to normal ones?

Regards

PAS ones are drilled nearer to the spindle, not sure what effect it would have on steering. Guess shorter throw would make for larger turning circle?

Have had them for a few years sat in a box and spindle surfaces have flash rust so would need scotching, hence not really wanting to sell them incase they turn out to be duff.

If anyone says they can be fitted to a non PAS rack ok, and spindle surfaces would be ok, would happily part with them

Hmm interesting, ...so there can potentially be some subtle differences between them.
And the shorter steering link hole placement could possibly provide a quicker turn response, albeit more effort would be required at the steering wheel tho I suspect?
And is their any blatantly visible ABS gubbuns on it, which makes it a bit of a giveaway? Starting to now wonder which one I have tucked away in my garage? Even tho it didn't appear to sport any ABS looking hardware.

Regards

part numbers are cast in them usually, may not have the final suffix letters tho' I don't have any 2wd ones to hand to check

Thanks for that Aidan. It sounds like that is gonna be my best bet moving forward.
And thanks for everybody's input.

Just spotted this. My 1990 SA Microbus has all early suspension components i.e.pressed/fabricated lower arms and twin piston Girling calipers.
SA were late to adopt the changes like cast lower arms and sliding calipers from what I can tell.

silverbullet wrote:Just spotted this. My 1990 SA Microbus has all early suspension components i.e.pressed/fabricated lower arms and twin piston Girling calipers.
SA were late to adopt the changes like cast lower arms and sliding calipers from what I can tell.

Thanks for that info Silverbullet, and phew what a relief!! Mine to has the non-cast lower control arms as well and obviously the twin piston calipers. And even though I am so chuffed that when I bought it, every single little piece of the van seemed to be present (and even better in great condition) and working, for the last day I have been trying to come to terms with the fact that the poor girl may have been molested in her past and had her front suspension replaced for the earlier setup. I couldn't stop having visions akin to the illegal and gross internal organ black market trade. Almost like she had been violated for her luvly post '85(?) front end. But all is good, she is tucked up safely on the drive and I can now sleep peacefully tonight .