W460 Rear Disks
Got the engineering done to replace the drums on my G with disks, just got to throw the newly rebuilt axle under the G and fabricate some handbrake cables,
Sprinter as the donor?
I've been wondering what to do about the rear drums on the 463 Axles that I'm rebuilding to go on my race truck. I've always like drums on the road (plenty of stopping power, better for holding a load on a slope), but desert racing conditions are another thing.
I've been toying with the idea of facbricating some bells to mount a full set of AP discs, but I know that Mike has had success with the Sprinter route before.
Remember that later 463's use Sprinter Discs etc
Just the Handbrake arrangement to sort
Gordon has gone the disc handbrake as opposed to the drum handbrake Sprinter / G option
Both work!!!!
Cant see the point with a fully working and functional drum set up unlessyou are pulling a lot more than standard power like you Ben...
Unless you're called Gordon and you just can.... ;)
In general I agree - drums are very effective - much large surface area than discs, don't warp etc.
What are the calipers then?
The problem with drum brakes is when you enter the wet and muddy stuff you pretty quickly lose your handbrake! Been having that problem for years so I am,very interested in Gordon's disk handbrake.
Richard
The rebuilt axles are now under my G, the rear disks are a huge improvement, I now have a really firm pedal instead of the sponge I had before and a progressive feel to the brakes. No idea what they'll be like offroad yet, I'll keep you posted
Gordon O
You going to be offering these as a kit? or at least a breakdown of parts for us priviliged members? 
Graham is right the G jobs are starting to ramp up, the Disk upgrade wont be offered as a kit sorry, it requires very sound welding and very accurate positioning of the caliper mounting brackets, not something I want to put into someone elses hands with a safety critical item like brakes.
I am looking at a bolt on setup like the ORC setup, this requires a heavily machined mount which bolts onto the axle hub retaining bolts
Regards Gordon
If you want to have a go yourself, there's nothing fancy involved just W463 rear disks machined down by 1mm and VW T5 calipers and caliper mounts, the centre cut out of the drum backplate to use as a spacer. The cables modified to fit, and home made 10mm steel plate mountings welded to the axle tube.
Regards Gordon
Remember that later 463's use Sprinter Discs etc
Just the Handbrake arrangement to sort
Gordon has gone the disc handbrake as opposed to the drum handbrake Sprinter / G option
Both work!!!!
Cant see the point with a fully working and functional drum set up unlessyou are pulling a lot more than standard power like you Ben...
Unless you're called Gordon and you just can.... ;)
I think Sherlock is right here. I was convinced I needed rear discs, but since I had whole system overhauled including the drums and new shoes and meshed pipes, the brakes are very fine indeed.
"Er, that's a feature of the model" was the specialist G Wagen salesman's response when I pointed out that the brakes were cr@p beyond belief!
It's taken a lot of time and money to get them straight, there were so many problems and bodge jobs.
Thanks Mr Specialist G Wagen salesman!
My main reason for doing it, I could buy disks, pads, calipers and carriers for less, no a lot less that a set of shoes from Merc
Gordon
My main reason for doing it, I could buy disks, pads, calipers and carriers for less, no a lot less that a set of shoes from Merc
Gordon
Then of course as a Scot I think you're doing the right thing! 
JOIN THE GWOA
This website and forum are provided for the benefit of enthusiasts and owners of all Mercedes Benz off road vehicles, in particular the G Wagen. The costs of development, upkeep and provision of the site are met entirely by the annual subscriptions of club members. If you are using the site and are not a member of the G Wagen Owners Association please consider joining. You will have access to areas on the site that are not open to non members, to club trips and meetings and to technical assistance. In addition your contribution (only £25 annually) will help us maintain and develop our website for future users.
Who's new
- Jaffa_JIM_23
- Wrabstar
- GG
- KTMSCANIA22
- 280ge
In general I agree - drums are very effective - much large surface area than discs, don't warp etc.
What are the calipers then?
Disks are W463, calipers are VW transporter T5 being matched with G500 vented disks and Brembos on the front.
Gordon O