Date: Tue, 11 Apr 2000 20:48:18 -0700
Reply-To: "Steven X. Schwenk" <sxs@CONCENTRIC.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: "Steven X. Schwenk" <sxs@CONCENTRIC.NET>
Subject: Springs & Weights
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Per, you are amazing! Thanks. Now what's the average weight of these? A
mystery in itself. Here's what i'm thinking, with my crude math skills.
The mean between the lightest (3388lbs) and heaviest (4180lbs) syncros
listed is 3,784 pounds (sorry, but i forgot to convert to kg. while doing
the math). The westy weighs about 310lbs. more than the mean, or 8.2%
more. So, if (a big assumption) the stock syncro springs were designed for
this mean weight, the westy should ideally have springs 8.2% stiffer,
assuming that the spring rate calculation for the mean weight is the ideal
rate for suspension performance for my use of the vehicle. Maybe a little
stiffer for more off road use, depending on the type of off roading.
If you throw out the two extremes, the mean weight is 3822lbs, with the
westy 270 lbs heavier, or 7% heavier, and thus ideally needing springs 7%
stiffer. Remember, VW made different springs for the various 2wd models,
but not for the syncros, probably because of the limited number they made.
Now if only i could find (1) stock spring rate for new springs, and (2) that
lost post where someone listed the acceptable range of suspension sag...the
amount that the vehicle sags the suspension under it's own weight. This is
another vital spec, at least as a starting point. The sag will increase
with age as the springs lose some spring, thus our current sags are not
likely to spec. On motocross bikes, sag is about 30% of travel. (I don't
even know what full range of travel is...anyone have their front springs out
so they can measure the full range of travel?) The sag is important because
when you get it right, you get optimum use of all available suspension
travel.
I am going to come up with specs for springs I want and then put in a
limited order at Betts. I still need to try out Marks' springs again, with
Peter's help, since he has them installed. Stay tuned, i am not sure yet
how this is going to shake out, but will by this time next week. I want to
get the order in by May 1. This will not be for lift springs.
steve
Per Lindgren wrote:
> "Steven X. Schwenk" wrote:
>
> > Does anyone know the weight of a syncro
> > westy vs. a standard syncro GL with no
> > camping or weekended stuff. Actually,
> > weights for all syncro models would be
> > great.
>
> You asked for it :-)
>
> >From my 1987 owners manual:
> Panelvan: 1540 kg
> Panelvan, high roof: 1590 kg
> Kombi (like panel, with windows) 1615 kg
> Kombi highroof: 1665 kg
> Caravelle/ Kombi L: 1700 kg
> Caravelle GL: 1730 kg
> Joker (westy) with pop top: 1860 kg
> Joker highroof: 1900 kg
> Pickup: 1540 kg
> Pickup with bigger bed: 1635 kg
> Doublecab: 1595 kg
>
> 2WDs are generally 150 kg lighter.
>
> PerL
> 87 Syncro 112i
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Here Bunny Bunny...
> Check it Out
> http://click.egroups.com/1/3123/2/_/527143/_/955500715/
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> If you would like to unsubscribe, visit
> Syncro-unsubscribe@onelist.com
| 
