Date: Mon, 18 Jun 2001 12:29:33 -0700
Reply-To: Steve Schwenk <steve@SYNCRO.ORG>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Steve Schwenk <steve@SYNCRO.ORG>
Subject: Re: 2WD Prototype Springs - A Week Later
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Mike, thanks for taking the time to give feedback on
the 2wd springs. I have been out of town the last week
and thus slow to reply. It would be helpful if you
could measure all 4 wheels from the center of the axle
to the lower lip of the fender. That way we have a
basis for comparing height on different vans. Plus, I
want to make sure i have the specs right as far as
front-to-rear levelness before we start the production
run.
As far as keeping the springs, that set was intended
for Mark Drillock, so you have to work that out with
him! But I hope to place the order fr the production
springs next week, so new sets will be available
shortly...assuming i get about 5 more people whop want
them that is. If anyone wants details, p-mail me.
Steve
Michael Snow wrote:
>
> To recap, I have been testing a set of Steve Schwenk's first run of 2WD coil
> springs in my 1983 ASI diesel camper. I've been driving all of my normal
> routes with the new springs. I really can't get over the amount of
> improvement over the stock 1983 setup. The ride is firm but not harsh.
> Friday, I had 4 of the Marines that work for me ride in the back for about
> 25 miles. Combined body weight for the five of us is about 1100 pounds.
> Even with the additional weight, the van handled admirably. The 1.6D engine
> was a bit overwhelmed, but the springs were excellent. My shocks, as
> before, did not have adequate damping. We drove over several spots in the
> road where the pavement is being repaired, giving the suspension quite a
> workout at 60 MPH. There was none of the typical "hobby-horsing" from the
> stock suspension. Steering was straight ahead all the way through. I'm
> going to hate giving these springs up!
>
> Parting shot: This is MY opinion, and we know how opinions are :-) If I
> were designing the springs I would make them about 1 inch taller. As is,
> they do a great job of restoring the van to somewhere near its original ride
> height. The spring rate is just fine for any reasonable load. I would like
> to see a little more ground clearance. Assuming that they will "settle" to
> a slightly lower installed length over time, a slightly taller spring will
> work its way right back to where the VW designers thought it should be.
>
> Mike Snow
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