RE: rear disk brakes

[jbade@domain.elided]

John and others,

>I'm not exactly sure what you're saying here Jeff.  Are you implying that
>by screwing around with a proportioning valve you *risk* having the front
>wheels lock up before the rear, or are you suggesting you *want* the front
>to lock up before the rear.

Every car/truck new from the deal will lock the front brakes before the
rear.

>We just hashed this all out within the last few months here on the Digest,
>and I hope everyone left the last big discussion understanding that you *do
>not* want the front wheels to lock up before the rear.  Of course it's best
>not to have any wheels locking up ever, but the fact is that if the brakes
>do lock up, your brake system should be proportioned and balanced so the
>rear locks up first and hopefully not the front.

Of course it is best not to lock any up.  But if the rear wheels lock up
before the front you will totally loose control of the vehicle and the back
end will try to swing around the front..
If the front wheels lock up (Yes you will loose steering.. We've all had
that happen before) but you will follow the direction the wheels are pointed
in.  Have the rear wheels lock up is just inviting a roll over on the
highway.

>If the front wheels lock up, you will loose any effective steering
>control... whereas if the rear brakes lock up and the front wheels are
>still turning, you can control the skid.  The skidding rear wheels can be
>made to (more or less) stay behind and follow the front tires by careful
>steering control.

In theory I know what you mean.  And it sounds great.... But it doesn't work
that way...
ALL THE REAR BRAKES DO IS STABILIZE YOUR BRAKING AND SLOW DOWN THE POWER
BEING APPLIED BY THE POWER TRAIN.  THE FRONT BRAKES, ON ALL CARS AND TRUCKS,
ARE WHAT STOPS THE VEHICLE.

Hope this helps....

Jeff Bade
Chicago, IL
1980 Scout ][, 304, TF727, D300, 3" Body lift, 4" Spring lift,
33x12.5xr15 tires, 4 wheel disk, SS][ converted
http://members.xoom.com/ScoutII
Member of "The Indiana Four Wheel Drive Association"
http://www.off-road.com/~ifwda/
Member of Scouts West
http://www.scoutswest.com