Date:         Wed, 2 Jan 2002 06:04:24 EST
Reply-To:     BenTbtstr8@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Ben T <BenTbtstr8@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Lowering a Vanagon
Comments: To: harrisvanagon@hotmail.com
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

In a message dated 1/2/02 12:05:52 AM Pacific Standard Time,
harrisvanagon@HOTMAIL.COM writes:

<< How can I get ahold of H&R?  My original over-zealous idea of lowering my
 van 3-4 inches was insane.  I got a better look and decided no more than 2
 inches at most.  But, I've been working with a local machine shop to cork
 and re-drill/re-stud the rear drums and front discs to accept a 5-4 3/4 rim.
   I'm eye-balling some 15" alloys that'll look sharp.  But, I'll want to
 lower it just a smidge to give it that "hugged" look.  So, I'm thinking
 about 1/2 to 1 inch or so.  Once I get the rims on I'll get a better idea
 what I need.  Anyways, I've babbled on too much.  If you can get me a
 website or something where I can get some info or whatnot on those springs,
 that'd be great!!! >>

Patrick,

Hmmmm.....  The bolt pattern you are contemplating translates to about 5 X
120 mm (never mind the extra .065 mm). For those uninitiated, that is the
bolt pattern for BMW's and some of the latter American muscle cars

Before you start modifying your van to fit wheels, consider this. First you
have to make sure the wheels you will be using has the proper weight rating
and/or capacity as your intended victim. Westies are substantially heavier
than what most car wheels are rated for. Second, few machine shops are
willing to perform the redrilling and retapping for liability and equipment
wear reasons. When they do, they will want a good amount of money. This may
also later lead to extended downtimes when replacing parts being modified --
the rear hub, drums, front rotor and possibly front hub (as applicable --
early vans, Syncros & SA big brake cars have separate front hubs). It's
difficult enough to get stock Vanagon parts in some parts of this country. It
can be a major PITA if you have to chase down a machinist to modify those
parts once you get them. When you factor in all these extra costs your
bargain wheels start sounding like the most expensive deal you've made. If
you insist of using wheels you already have, you may be better off modifying
them to fit the van instead. I have a brief description of this procedure in
my webpage under the "How-To" section.

And "my final answer"...... you can find H & R springs in your nearby
suspension parts monger or see their site at:

http://www.hrsprings.com/site/about/index.html

It's not "the weakest link"

G'bye,
BenT
http://hometown.aol.com/bentbtstr8/myhomepage/index.html