On Sun, Nov 27, 2011 at 3:53 PM, Michael Snow <slowmachine82@gmail.com>wrote: > I have the same problem, and would like to do something about it. > > T > What could be done to equalize the left and right loads at each end, > enabling the van to sit and ride level, while using matched springs on > each side and providing more neutral handling? If you could decrease > the right front load, the left rear load should also decrease without > leaning to the left, no? > > Mike > Since ride height is not adjustable with stock Vanagon suspension...I used some aluminum to shim my van...to get it closer to corner balanced than it was..I think I added about 3/8" above my rear spring on the right side...When I got the van, the right rear would spin if you looked cross-eyed at a hill or gravel or sand....Shimming that wheel "down" helped a lot, good enough for a Campmobile/worker van/mobile dressing room. Despite what Scott says, I do NOT describe vanagon handling as 'sports car like' by any stretch of my imagination..... (grin) so 'close enough' regarding ride height is adequate for me... I do pay a bit of attention when I load up for a long trip..try to approximate an even loading ..Vanagons do not have very compliant suspension. The wheels have pretty limited range of motion...so a little change goes a long way to even them up. Remember, when you change suspension heights....you move things just half as far as they are 'out'...I am mixing metaphors...height weight up down heavy light......The best way to visualize how the wheels work in relationship to each other is to take two pencils and cross them at right angles in one hand....now, move that hand around and watch....you will see ... |
Please note - During the past 17 years of operation, several gigabytes of
Vanagon mail messages have been archived. Searching the entire collection
will take up to five minutes to complete. Please be patient!
Return to the archives @ gerry.vanagon.com
The vanagon mailing list archives are copyright (c) 1994-2011, and may not be reproduced without the express written permission of the list administrators. Posting messages to this mailing list grants a license to the mailing list administrators to reproduce the message in a compilation, either printed or electronic. All compilations will be not-for-profit, with any excess proceeds going to the Vanagon mailing list.
Any profits from list compilations go exclusively towards the management and operation of the Vanagon mailing list and vanagon mailing list web site.