Date:         Thu, 28 Jul 2011 10:45:51 -0700
Reply-To:     Don Hanson <dhanson928@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Don Hanson <dhanson928@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: How do you when your springs need to be replaced?
Comments: To: Robert Stewart <robertmstewart@mac.com>
In-Reply-To:  <2E1EDF9C-DCFA-4419-BDF9-CD86160F967E@mac.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

On Thu, Jul 28, 2011 at 10:08 AM, Robert Stewart <robertmstewart@mac.com>wrote:

> I have an 88 Wolfsburg GL. It has new front and reach shocks on it replaced
> about 2 years ago. It also has all new front bushings upper and lower. For
> the rear shocks it has Koni Red's at the middle level setting and on the
> front it has Boge's on them.
>   I have ridden in my friends Westy with the taller springs and the ride is
> amazing compared to my short springs.
>
>
> Robert
> Upstate NY
>

  Try adding a load to your van, see how it feels.   I'm not familiar with
the Carat springs...but when my GL is empty, it is pretty harsh riding and
with a load it is much nicer...These are, basically, cargo vans after all so
they were designed for optimum driving with a cargo load...
  If you do go with longer softer springs, you will get more body sway and
lean.  No way around that, though through careful tuning of your whole
suspension, you can arrive at your best compromise, given the original
design of the van's suspension.