Date: Thu, 28 Feb 2002 11:24:04 EST
Reply-To: CMathis227@AOL.COM
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Chuck Mathis <CMathis227@AOL.COM>
Subject: Re: Saggy rear end (85 Vanagon)
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"
Peter,
From what I have read and been told, the '85's rode a little high in the
front when they were new. Shocks will provide momentary relief form the butt
sag but it will be back down the next morning. Definitely install new shocks
with new springs or if you have the roller coaster effect when you hit the
brakes. Replacing the shocks is very straight forward -- just soak the bolts
with your favorite penetrating oil every morning for about a week before you
install the new shocks. To level it up you have a number of options
available -- most of which will be hotly debated (on this list -- how could
that be).
1) Shim the rear springs. There have been a number of posts on this fairly
recently so there should be a fair amount of information in the archive.
2) Install AirLift bags in the rear springs. Results have differed -- I
have heard as little as 1/4" lift while the kit I installed in my '85 gives
me about 3/4".
3) Install new springs. Basically there are three options here:
a) stock springs -- I think these are dealer only and expensive;
b) order a set of custom heavy duty springs from Steve at syncro.org (around
$400) -- these will level the van and raise it a bit -- the folks that have
installed Steve's springs like them a lot;
c) order a set of lowering springs -- Bus Depot carries a set from Boge that
are designed for Westies and drop the van 1 1/2" or so (around $370 with list
member discount), H&R also makes a set and Bus Boys and Fast German Auto also
have lowering sets. Ron at Bus Depot has used the Boges on his Westy and
likes them. I intend to install these on my van when I can get around to it
-- then I can park in my garage!
Chuck
'85 Wolfsburg Westy - 'Roland the Road Buffalo'
In a message dated 2/28/2002 9:21:45 AM Central Standard Time,
LISTSERV@GERRY.VANAGON.COM writes:
> Date: Thu, 28 Feb 2002 07:20:29 -0500
> From: Peter Brandt <peter@PBCLIBRARY.ORG>
> Subject: Saggy rear end (85 Vanagon)
>
> Hello fellow list members. I have an 85 Vanagon and after 17 years of
> happy motoring, the rear end is sagging and giving my poor lady an old
> tired look. Does anyone know;
> Do I need to replace the springs and shocks?
> Any good sources for these parts?
> Is this a DIY job?
>
> Thanks folks, I appreciate any input.
>
> -peter-
>
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