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Date:         Wed, 13 Apr 2011 14:10:55 -0700
Reply-To:     Scott Daniel - Turbovans <scottdaniel@TURBOVANS.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Scott Daniel - Turbovans <scottdaniel@TURBOVANS.COM>
Subject:      Re: How Do You Know If Your Springs Need To Be Replaced?
Comments: To: Robert Stewart <robertmstewart@MAC.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="UTF-8"; reply-type=original

hi.. I am sorting out the same van .. a 2WD 87 Wolfsburg.

it does ride a bit stiff in the front. I have had 3 different types of wheels and tires on the front .. and it's 'getting better' . in any case.. I would not run a 14 inch 8PR tire in front no matter what. Rear is fine, but not front. Only C ( 6 PR ) load rated ones in front.. or LT"s which are C load rated.

I still need to get better front shocks .. I took out KYB's there and that helped ..now I have some softer koni's in front .. it's smoother, damping on big dips could be better.. but there is still some stiffness compared to a regular Vanagon, ones not lowered from the factory like a Wolfsburg.

Syncro springs will not fit your van. The rears will, but not the fronts. I have a pair of good syncro stock front springs I'm looking to sell ....if anyone is interested.

I also have a set of four 2WD might be Schenk springs.. I'm think they are a little taller and a bit stiffer than stock 'normal' 2WD vanagon springs.

in any case, don't get 85 Westy or Weekender front springs, unless you want the front end too high .. those sit almost 2 inches too tall in front. I always take them out and put in GL front springs.

the low look of the Wolfsburg is sexy .. so I would not want to put in normal GL springs in mine persoally. I do have an 87 GL project van .. I suppose I could sell the four springs out of it and put my aftermarket 21WD springs in that van.. pmail me if you're interested in that.

more thoughts.. it's very subtle, but how the back end is set up affects the front ride . right now I have four michelin Agillies 205/65 R 15C's ....front and rear .. old perhaps too stiff KYB's on the rear and tired front koni shocks.. and it's 'getting there' .. front HD Bilsteins and I think it will be pretty good .. though I am still expecting a bit stiff ride in front.

sounds to me like you would rather have 'normal' 2WD vanagon springs, front and rear. 87 or 88 GL , would be about right .. need to realign the front end to make it really right after putting in the taller springs. . You'd loose that cool low look .. but you might like that better.

on 14 inch tires .. read the max load single, and max pressure. if it's 55 psi max pressure ..those are usually C load rated. if it's 65 max psi cold.. those are always D or 8PR tires .. as I have said ...I can't stand 8PR's in front...every time I try it .. too harsh, vibrations from bumps in the steering wheel.. and van tends to jump around on bumps requring more steering correction all the time.. when it's right .. it goes right where you point it, with smooth well controlled ride, and no harshness or directional deviation on bumps and uneven pavement. a good car tracks like a demon .. goes right where you point it 'no matter what'. Our vanagons have suspension capabile of that .. the same suspension design as used on 70's era mercedes cars.. and one of those ............when they are right ..they will carve through a curve full of potholes at 60 mph ... with no drama, no effort.. just magically goes where you tell it too. Vanagon cans can 'get there' somewhat.

some main factors are .. wheels size and offset, tire size, type, and brand. tire pressure, front and rear alignement, shocks. springs.

all 6 of those have to be nicely matched for the weight of the van, and the intended driving .. road carving and off road are two opposites ends of the spectrum with differing requirements of course.

what fun ! I get mine dialed in pretty nicely but it takes a while sometimes. Just going to a different tire and wheel made HD Bilsteings turn from 'ho hum, I guess they are working' to ..."now we're are getting some HD Bilstein magic happening.'

Scott www.turbovans.com

----- Original Message ----- From: "Robert Stewart" <robertmstewart@MAC.COM> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM> Sent: Tuesday, April 12, 2011 9:51 PM Subject: Re: How Do You Know If Your Springs Need To Be Replaced?

I have a set of Hankook's on the van now. It sits a bit taller with them on. The sidewall rating is above the standard rating and I guess they are stiffer. The tires I had on before had standard rating level and it was still stiff so I think its the springs or the shocks.

I am wondering what needs to be replaced. The Front Shocks or the Springs?

I am going for a cushy ride with a mix of good handling. One thing for sure I can say is that since I upgraded the shocks and tire's the van is better in heavy winds.

I used to have a set of KYB's and took them off after a week. For me it was like driving with NO shocks. Rock Hard.

Should I get some used Syncro or Westy springs to swap out?

Rob

On Apr 11, 2011, at 8:20 PM, Chris S wrote:

> Sounds like you have stiff shocks. Your description fits that of a gas > charged shock which is not responsive over small bumps. Remeber that a > Shock absorber is like a friction device that limits a springs tendency to > cyclically compress and expand. > > Chris. > > Wysłane z iPhone'a > > Dnia Apr 11, 2011 o godz. 18:18 Robert Stewart <robertmstewart@MAC.COM> > napisał(a): > >> I have an 88 Automatic Wolfsburg Edition Van with Bougue's (SP?) on the >> front suspension and Koni Adjustable's on the rear. >> >> Before I replaced the the stock shocks with these the ride was very >> bouncy and springy, now since the replacement over 4 years ago it seems >> to have no bounce. >> >> Does this mean my springs are shot? When I get into the van and it's does >> not move at all. If I hit a small bump it seems like the between the >> shocks and springs nothing is compressing unless it's a major bump. It >> appears as though I am feeling every little thing. >> >> I am just wondering because a friend has an 86 westy and his van moves >> when you get into it, you can hear the springs flexing when you get in, >> over bumps it seems more cushy and a nicer ride. >> >> Also I am wondering if I can put westy springs on my van from a junk yard >> westy or syncro, will swapping my lower springs be a major hassle? If so >> what will I need to do this? >> >> How will the ride change? >> >> Thanks for the thoughts. >> >> Rob >> 88 Wolfsburg (Facing seats & pop up table) >> Automatic >> New York


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