What MY Rear Disk Brakes

[larrysbk]

When did the Montana switch to rear disk brakes? I'm looking at used Montana/Ventures that are marked as 2005 model year. One had disks and one had drums. Also, has the switch to rear disks been a good thing or problematic?

['97ventureowner]

The Montana switched to 4 wheel disc brakes in 2005 with the new body style. 2005 was the last model year of the Venture and the introduction of it's replacement , the Uplander. Both vehicles were produced that year. The Uplander came with 4 wheel disc brakes as well as some Ventures. The Ventures that year that did not come with 4 wheel disc, came with rear drum brakes.
I have a 2006 Uplander and have not had any issues with the 4 wheel disc brakes, and have not heard any issues with the 4 wheel discs from 2006 on.In my opinion, the switch to 4 wheel discs was a good one.
The 2005 Uplander/Montanas did have issues with the brakes in that they wore out prematurely, pulsated excessively, and had other issues. One of the problems that was discovered was that the brakes were "undersized " for the vehicle. The following year, these vehicles were upgraded to a heavier duty brake along with an increase from 15" to 17" inch wheels ( and a 5 lug rim to a 6 lug rim.)