Date:         Thu, 10 Feb 2005 18:52:19 -0800
Reply-To:     Shawn Wright <swright@ZUIKO.SLS.BC.CA>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Shawn Wright <swright@ZUIKO.SLS.BC.CA>
Subject:      Re: Swapping '86 front end onto '82
In-Reply-To:  <vanagon%2005021016425028@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII

On 10 Feb 2005 at 16:39, Roger Sisler <rogersisler2000@YAHOO.COM> wrote:

> Hello,I recently did the complete front end rebuild on an early 85(sheet
> metal lower control arm).It was successful,and works great,but that cast
> iorn lower control arm suspension  is the only way to go(expensive
> hindsite) .That arm acts like a flywheel and absobls road shock instead of
> transmitting it to you.To do it again, I would get the cast iorn parts I
> needed and press out the old and press in the new, and have everything
> ready to go .I would then strip out the sheet metal parts and install my
> refurbishes cast iorn parts/without a lot of  down time.The ride difference is
> like night and day.Those old parts will make a great boat anchor!

Interesting - I had never considered the possibility of the cast arm affecting ride
quality that much due to its composition. I knew it would reduce unsprung weight (it is
cast aluminum, so should be a fair bit lighter), and should improve handling slightly
as a result. Something I'll have to keep in mind. There are so many differences
between my '88 and '82 vans, that I can't really determine the causes for difference
in "feel".

Thanks for the info.
--
Shawn Wright
I.T. Manager
Shawnigan Lake School