Date: Thu, 6 Dec 2012 00:15:24 -0700
Reply-To: OlRivrRat <OlRivrRat@COMCAST.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: OlRivrRat <OlRivrRat@COMCAST.NET>
Subject: Re: Need recomendations for new shocks for an '85 Vanagon-Rear
tire size concern.
In-Reply-To: <BAY152-ds3592330512D53F4679F8AA0450@phx.gbl>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed; delsp=yes
Dennis
While that may be a very important condition to watch out for, I'll
have to say
that I do not have any handling issues with this configuration ~ I
have been running
those Wheels & TireSizes for 6.5yrs & 67000mis & I am a fairly
AggressiveDriver. A
substantial chunk, possibly the majority, of those miles were @
HiwaySpeeds 65-80
& when I go driving I look for the CurviestRoads ~ in fact some of
those miles since
'09 when I put an EJ25 BelowDeck were done on the heels of a
MiniCooperClub group
that a M'C'Driving friend of mine is a member of ~ in the mountains I
couldn't keep
but I always gave it my best shot & was never very far behind ~
another large chunk
of those miles I had a RaftTrailer in tow &or a CanoeOnTheRoof & even
in that config'
the only significant issue I had with wind was if it was InMyFace as
those BigRears do
rob some power ~ But it sure is nice cruisin @ 75mph@3400RPM gettin
22MPG, even
with a Canoe on the roof ~ but they don't cause much drag when they're
on straight.
ORR ~ DeanB
On 5 Dec , 2012, at 11:04 PM, Dennis Haynes wrote:
> Running larger tires in the rear can cause an over steer situation
> especially during emergency maneuvers or a tire failure. 25.5" front
> and 29"
> rear is substantial. You should have the front caster angle adjusted
> to
> compensate. I once bought a van that was rolled over. I used the
> parts to
> repair a camper that has an engine fire. It was also an 85 with
> oversized
> tires on the rear! I was recall the front went just over the edge
> of the
> road and he just couldn't recover it. Rolled and laid over on its
> left side.
> The drivers only injury was a broken arm, he had it laying on the
> door edge
> with the window open. The body twisted blowing out the windshield.
>
> Dennis
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On
> Behalf Of
> OlRivrRat
> Sent: Wednesday, December 5, 2012 10:47 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: Need recomendations for new shocks for an '85 Vanagon
>
> Mark
>
> I April2011, about 20K miles ago, I put Monroe GasMagnums on my
> 90Westy & so far I have not
>
> encountered any reasons to feel anything but good about them. Right
> now @
> RockAuto they are $24.79
>
> for the Fronts & $32.79 for the rears.
>
> By the way ~ I run 15"EuroVan SteelWheels on Westy with
> 225/60r15
> Fronts & 235/75r15 Rears ~
>
> I do use Spacers with these wheels for better clearance ~ 1/2"Front &
> 3/4"Rear (SlidingDoor clears by 1/16")
>
> ORRDeanB
>
>
> On 5 Dec , 2012, at 5:50 AM, Mark Carrig wrote:
>
>> Putting a set of the Go Westy 15" alloys and Michilins on as well
>> as a
>> new set of four Go Westy Progressive springs, 0" lift.
>>
>> Westy has the Bilsteen shocks offered, but they are awfully pricy.
>>
>> Are there any recomendations for a very good set of shocks that wont
>> break the bank ?
>>
>> Thanks !
>