Date:         Thu, 13 Dec 2001 12:19:37 EST
Reply-To:     CMathis227@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Chuck Mathis <CMathis227@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: To Shim Or not To Shim........That is the question
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

I installed the AirLift bags in my '85 Wolfsburg Westy two years ago.  They
provide way more than a 1/4" of lift and with only 10psi, they pretty much
level the van.  I installed them with separate valve connections so I can add
a little more pressure to the left side and correct the Westy lean.  But, I
seldom drive with a huge load and the Wolfsburg is a touch lighter than a
full Westy. These are spring helpers -- more or less a band aid -- not a
permanent solution to sagging and leaning due to spring fatigue.  Shims are
also a bandaid.  While they may raise the rear end in the short term, the
springs will continue to fatigue and sag further.  New springs are a more
permanent solution.

Chuck
'85 Wolfsburg Westy - 'Roland the Road Buffalo'

In a message dated 12/13/01 7:52:49 AM Pacific Standard Time,
LISTSERV@GERRY.VANAGON.COM writes:


> Date:    Thu, 13 Dec 2001 08:00:01 -0500
> From:    Jay L Snyder <Jay.L.Snyder@USA.DUPONT.COM>
> Subject: Re: To Shim Or not To Shim........That is the question
>
> They will not level the van.  I have these installed.  They only lift 1/4"
> when inflated to the maximum rated pressure. This is on an empty '85 Westy.
> They probably help maintain that height when loaded, but do little for
> leveling purposes (side to side).  They are for improved handling when
> loaded (the van, that is).    I would highly recomend them--easy install
> and fairly cheap--but not for the Westy sag.  Sorry.
>
>