difference between front and rear v-brake?
 

Is there a difference between front and rear v-brakes? i.e. Would there be any reason I can't mount a front v-brake on the rear?

I see no difference. Please someone educate me if I'm wrong. Thanks.

I bet you're wondering why the boxes are marked either front or rear....aren't ya?? :D

The only difference is in the brake pad direction. Front and rear pads are oriented oppositely to one another.
You can use either front or rear brakes as long as the pads are mounted in the proper direction.

I'm wondering if there is actually a mechanical difference that would prohibit mounting a front v-brake on the rear.

There isn't. Just make sure you correct the way the pads are installed if you switch them http://www.koolstop.com/brakes/thinline.jpg

That's what I thought. Thanks. I was just second-guessing myself for some odd reason...

OH. That clears up a lot for me..... I never knew that was it!

for caliper brakes, the diff between front and rear matters because of the length of the fixing bolt has to be longer for the front (to go through the fork). But on cantilevers and V-brakes, there's no reason for difference.

Hmm, I just went out to look at my v brakes and noticed there is no difference in orientation. The pad bolt is right in the center.

The pad threads might be directional....