Date:         Tue, 26 Sep 2000 07:58:08 -0400
Reply-To:     Gary Stearns <gstearns@SPRINTMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Gary Stearns <gstearns@SPRINTMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Spring compressors

Don't use those things.  You'll  constantly be fiddling and adjusting.  They
move around as the spring bounces, they squeek, and they create an
unpredictable spring rate.
After lots of experimentation, I lowered our '88 by heating and collapsing
the coils on the original springs.  List members will probably flame me big
time as this can create it's own problems (broken coils, springs that
continue to collapse etc).  Only do it this way if you know how to get the
intended results.  If you don't, trashed springs will result.
When lowering, don't go overboard.  The Vanagon doesn't have enough
suspension travel to allow being "slammed".  Finally, if you are going to
lower it, you'll need better shocks.  If you reduce the amount that the
suspension can travel, you must reduce the amount that it wants to travel.
If not you constantly bottom the suspension.

Think it through.

Gary
----- Original Message -----
From: Lee Roesner <paradigm@MC.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, September 25, 2000 10:30 PM
Subject: Spring compressors


> Has anyone ever used a spring compressor to lower their Vanagon. It's a
> unit that is permanently attached to the spring. I heard about these but
> have not seen them. I would like to drop my tail end about 1-2". I
> believe I already have the lowest springs I can get.
>
> Then again, there's the tow in/out problem which I believe the 91 does
> not have an adjustment for. So there is really no way to lower the
> Vanagon without creating a tow in/out problem. Right? Then how come I
> have seen shorter (later model) springs being sold. Don't they create
> the same tow in/out problem?
>
> Lee
>
> --
> Lee Roesner
> Paradigm Graphic Design & Web Development
> 710-B Landwehr Road
> Northbrook, IL 60062
>
> Phone 847-509-8704
> Fax 847-480-5701
> Portfolio: http://www.roesner.net/vw
> Email: mailto:paradigm@mc.net
>