Date:         Tue, 24 Jun 2008 09:21:06 -0700
Reply-To:     Al Knoll <anasasi@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Al Knoll <anasasi@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Syncro bad handling problem
Comments: To: Benny boy <huotb@videotron.ca>
In-Reply-To:  <vanagon%2008062410031466@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

Hi Ben,  I installed the 'schvenkenstein' suspension with the OME
shocks on my SVX.  Scary.  Serious oversteer at the slightest bend.
Crosswind stablity was like waltzing a Winnebago.  The fellow who sold
me the parts said it 'was all in my head' and that the suspension
components could NEVER cause that.

I replaced the OMEs with the SouthAfrican rear shocks.  Problem gone.
It's still and overweight syncro camper but not nearly as scary.
SWMABO refused to ride in it unless the problem was fixed.

Thanks to Eric A for helping me out with that one.

Try some stiffer shocks in the back.  Worked for Eric, (2.5) worked
for me (3.3).

On 6/24/08, Benny boy <huotb@videotron.ca> wrote:
> Hey all, i'm stuggling to find an handling problem on a customer van. So i
> wonder if any of you ever had that problem.
> Van oversteer dangerously wile turning at speed over 40mph, loose rear end,
> rear want to go in front when turning  It's almost scary sometime.
> The van is HEAVY, i can barely lift this one on my electric lift in the shop.
> It's also very sensitive to wind.
>
> Condition: Big Syncro, custom interior (heavy),  of course, big tire :-)
> Rear tire rack,  ladder in the back, 2.5 Subi, new shock and spring on all
> wheel, no loose or play anywhere (of i can see), front stab bar is fine.
> The spring are not from GoWesty but from another reseller, i just don't
> remember the name.
>
> I thought about a rear trailling arm bushing problem but i see no play at
> all. This problem just happen lately, i mean i didn't like the handling of
> this van last year when i did some stuff on it but now it's worse than ever.
>
> Here is the van (tire where replace):
> http://www.benplace.com/jp_syncro.htm
>
> van look very similar and as now the same tire as the Syncro that i restored
> lately:
> http://www.benplace.com/87_syncro2.htm
>
> I know, it's not much and it's dificult to give advices when you don't feel
> and see the problem but maybe some of you had a similar handling problem???
>
> Any info would be appreciated.
>
> Cheers, Ben
>