Date:         Sat, 16 Jun 2001 20:10:38 -0700
Reply-To:     Michael Snow <mwsnow@HOME.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Michael Snow <mwsnow@HOME.COM>
Subject:      2WD Prototype Springs - A Week Later
Comments: To: steve@syncro.org
In-Reply-To:  <KJEKLMFLFINOBKDMAFGBIELOCHAA.mwsnow@home.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

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