Date: Sun, 27 Nov 2011 16:03:28 -0500
Reply-To: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Westy Weighed... Setting Corner Spring Rates
In-Reply-To: <5ADDF1B2-D2CE-494E-A84A-4BC14F3098C5@gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"
While that may feel good what is the weight distribution on the tire and
does you tire choice have the reserve for that difference? Remember Derek's
question was how to get the same weight on both tires of each axle? Now I
know Derek does not have to worry about tire capacity. If level is the goal
then change or shim the springs. If weight distribution on each tire is the
goal then you have to move they weight and/or add a sway (anti sway) bar.
Wait, the sway bar will reduce the lean but does so by further lifting
weight off the opposite wheel.
Dennis
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Robert Stevens
Sent: Saturday, November 26, 2011 7:50 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Westy Weighed... Setting Corner Spring Rates
On Nov 26, 2011, at 4:54 PM, ralph meyermann wrote:
> Sorry to say but the best bet is redistribution of weight in/on your
> charriot. Spring rate changes the amount load transfer and shocks the
> timing of that transfer, the rates you were showing would make us
> tight push on corner entry ,loose at apex and tight/push on corner
> exit with the roundy round dirt cars we ran. Keep your left and right
> springs balanced with the same rate to prevent awkward handling
> differences between left and right turns,you may put more or less of a
> split between front and rear which will only change handling on
> acceleration and braking
What's that saying about "opinions" ..... ;-)
Fact for me IS, that I have been driving my van with 650LB springs on the L,
and 600LB springs on the right for 20K miles, with excellent handling and
road drivability in general. NO awkward handling features or characteristics
and in fact, quite the contrary. The prior suspension set up, with Syncro
springs and OME shocks, by comparison to what I have now, was "wallowy",
but, as you've said, BALANCED. No thanks!
My van, simply put, drives more like a slot-car than I would have ever
expected a Vanagon Syncro Westy could.
Think I'll now go for the 700LB spring on the LR. So very nice to be able to
spend $60.00 to make this "dangerous ride adjustment." ;-) Very easy to
install and easy to remove.
bob
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