Dexter axel brake up grade

Considering the OP has had braking problems and has a Subaru, I suspect he has the CVT transmission. This means the car will limit the maximum downshift to protect CVT temps (traditional autos only limit downshifts to prevent over-revving). So... it may not provide as much engine braking as some other cars.

I definitely recommend finding a solution if you are having problems with them overheating now. There's lots of options for disc-brake conversions, and disc brakes are much better at rejecting heat during long downhill descents.