Don't for get the lower control arm bushings, the strut bar bushings and sleeves, along with the sway bar mountings. The Stering rack mounts and the 2 coupling discs are also items to consider. As for upgrading the brakes, you will need the spindle assemblies, (steering knuckles) and all the brake parts from an 86 or later along with the brake hoses. Dennis -----Original Message----- From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Aaron Sent: Tuesday, March 22, 2005 4:18 PM To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM Subject: Front suspension upgrades and more Hello all. I just have a few questions about the front suspension. I'm having a birthday party for my single owner '85 vanagon. I've got new shocks and would love to also put in a few parts that are probably worn out. I'm not sure of exactly what should be replaced after 20 years and 280,000 miles. I've got the help of a mechanic so I'd love to do whatever I can now and have had the van parked for the last 2 years saving to get it ready for the next 10 years. I just finished putting in the subaru engine...very nice. Now I would like to turn to other mechanical parts. Here are some front-end parts that I found on the busdepot site. Should they be replaced? - Upper Ball joints - Lower Ball joints - Upper Control Arm busing - Tie Rods My next thought is brakes. They are OLD...as in original calipers old. I currently need new rotors, so I thought that perhaps I should get new calipers as well. I remember reading something about the 86+ calipers being superior and was thinking about an upgrade. Is this true and do they work better. Do they hook right up and bold on? My calipers are not leaking and are currently working just fine. Is there a large difference? I would assume I would get '85 rotors, not the 86+ rotors if I decided to upgrade the calipers. Rear brakes were done 10,000 miles ago. Other things on the list are the steering rack boots (1 is torn), fuel lines and in the near future a transmission, front blower motor and windshield (still all original). Any other thoughts? Thanks! Aaron |
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