Date:         Wed, 6 Dec 2000 18:09:54 -0500
Reply-To:     Karl Mullendore <thewestyman@MINDSPRING.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Karl Mullendore <thewestyman@MINDSPRING.COM>
Subject:      Initial impressions of Betts springs/OME shocks
Comments: To: Syncro list <syncro@egroups.com>, Steve Schwenk <steve@SYNCRO.ORG>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

Whew! Finally, after having the parts on my shelf for many months, today I
installed the Betts Springs (front and rear) and the Old Man Emu shocks on
my beloved (?) Syncro Westy 'Otto'. Rears were a breeze, front installation
cause me to open part of my vocabulary I rarely use....BUT, oh, what a
difference! My first drive was up through a mountain (paved) road, and right
away I can feel a HUGE difference, ride is pleasingly stiffer, and no more
wallowing in corners or over heaves in the road. It seems to corner more
precisely, more direct. Of course, I haven't touched the alignment yet.
Initial height specs, measured from the center of the wheel to the fender
lip: Rear, 19 3/8" (both sides), left front, 19 1/8", right front 19 1/4".
Otto now has a clear 12" to 12.5" of ground clearance, with the 235/75-15 BS
Dueler A/Ts, take that, oh mighty Jeep/Xterra/Blazer/Explorer/etc!! I am one
happy camper, well pleased with the transformation! Now, if I can only find
some free time to go camp off-road somewhere, and really test it.......

Karl Mullendore
Westy Ventures
1987 Syncro Westfalia 1.9TD
1985 Transporter singlecab