Date:         Sat, 14 Oct 2006 17:26:39 -0400
Reply-To:     Chuck Baird <westyman71@YAHOO.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Chuck Baird <westyman71@YAHOO.COM>
Subject:      Re: vanagon spring rate color coding for different models...READ!!

Back to my 85 Westy Wolfsburg.....

I had the stock springs on when I bought it.  Distance from center of
front wheel hub to external wheel arch lip was 18 1/8". I obtained a set
of "lowering" springs from a friend that he had on his 86 passenger bus(he
got them from CIP).  It lowered it significantly (like 5").  The handling
improved significantly, particularly in curves, darn near "sports car"
like.

As much as I loved the better handling, I took them off after a year and a
half, as I wanted more clearance for camping.  The ride was firmer, but
much harsher, too.

Went back to the stock springs, but have been looking for "Carat" or later
model springs, as it appears that they lower the bus some, but not as much
as the CIP lowering springs.  My goals are slight lowering, as I have
clearance issues with my garage and the higher springs, a bit better
handling, but also to maintain most of the better ride.

Chuck