Date:         Tue, 4 Sep 2007 12:44:38 -0700
Reply-To:     Don Hanson <dhanson@GORGE.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Don Hanson <dhanson@GORGE.NET>
Subject:      Don't push ME around..Van directional stability
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="Windows-1252"

Hey, I have owned a lot of vans, but never a bay window.  Now, the 84 is
drivable in wind, it just takes the fun right out of it.  On calm days, or
days with a constant wind, no problem and I enjoy the drive immensely..But
give some side gusts, or a constant side wind and lot of big
rigs....(Highway 395 outside LA comes to mind here) and it becomes a big
chore.  I've considered stopping and camping till the side winds quit, even.
  Don't get me wrong, I ain't complaining about the van.  Overall, probably
the best all round vehicle I've owned so far, but it has a few shortcomings
in a few areas of performance, and those, I want to minimize (within
reasonable cost and effort)  So now that mine works dependably and
efficiently, has all the creature comforts I want, etc..I am working on the
remaining flaws like poor traction and poor directional stability..relative
term "Poor"...
  I did almost get stuck on a dry road. Drove into a potential campsite and
decided it wasn't good so we tried to back right out...no go...had to rock
the van a bunch to get out..A locker diff would work or a Limited slip, I
guess, but I don't see many lockers for sale and fitting a limited slip is a
bit pricey...for now.
  Don Hanson