On Sun, May 22, 2011 at 9:59 AM, neil n <musomuso@gmail.com> wrote: > That's interesting. > > Were these the only changes made to the front end between "tests" > through the Columbia River Gorge? > > Like was it *that* much of a noticeable improvement? Did you replace > these parts with steering gear still in place? (bolts removed of > course) > > IIRC your Vanagon is a DD so you would notice a change more than > someone with a fair weather driver like mine. (though it gets driven > more and more these days :) That said, I did notice an improvement > replacing upper control arm bushings on p-side, and they weren't > *that* worn out. > > Neil. > > I stuck them in without loosening anything else, just the four rack bolts. "noticeable improvement" I noticed the difference right away...going down my driveway (which is about 1/4 mile long and uneven gravel) As you would think, poly vs rubber the poly tightens-up the whole steering connection between wheels...the steering wheel and the road wheels. So it works both ways. My steering wheel moves around a little more as the tires encounter steering deflections from road surface roughness...but my road wheels react faster to steering inputs, too. On a race car, I used Delrin bushings...essentially non-elastic..for excellent feel. The Poly ones on the van are a compromise between the mushy feel of a road car and the 100% feedback you want at the limits of traction on the racetrack. Worth doing, in my opinion. I didn't change anything else at the time I replaced the bushings..so my perception is based on only one change... Don Hanson |
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