Date: Mon, 17 Nov 2014 08:15:47 -0800
Reply-To: Dan N <dn92610@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Dan N <dn92610@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Suspension for Off Roading
In-Reply-To: <480D50AD-A31D-453B-8AD8-77B34564F008@EricWunrow.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
14" wheel with higher-profile tires will give you a final diameter same as
a 15" wheel
I use 27x8.5LT14 and the diameter is the same as s 205/65R15C
On Mon, Nov 17, 2014 at 7:53 AM, Eric Wunrow <VW@ericwunrow.com> wrote:
> Ahhh… I get it now.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Eric
> Eric Wunrow Pictures
> 85 S Union Blvd, #Q123
> Lakewood, CO 80228
>
> 303. 988. 8717
> VW@EricWunrow.com
>
>
>
>
> On Nov 16, 2014, at 9:41 PM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com>
> wrote:
>
> > As the suspension moves the outer part of the bushing turns with the
> control arm. If there is too much friction between the outer and inner
> parts then that movement will force the inner to turn and that can loosen
> the nut. The nut should be an all metal prevailing torque lock nut so it
> will only loosen a bit. Once it loosens the shaft can then turn moving the
> eccentric washers which will change the camber. Chances to Caster or Camber
> will affect the Toe alignment.
> >
> > Dennis
> >
> >
> >
> > From: Eric Wunrow [mailto:VW@EricWunrow.com]
> > Sent: Sunday, November 16, 2014 3:35 PM
> > To: Dennis Haynes
> > Subject: Re: Suspension for Off Roading
> >
> > Thanks, Dennis, really appreciate your insights!
> >
> >
> > That's what I'd thought, i.e., bad control arm bushings. Why those would
> loosen the upper control arm bolt is still a mystery to me, am I missing
> something???
> >
> > My plan is to price labor on replacing the bushings, as in cases like
> this I'll have all four done so they're all good to go awhile. I paid a
> former friend in Denver to rebuild the entire front end and paid dearly for
> that, only to discover later he hadn't done those bushings nor the ones on
> the sway bar end — so I'll have those done as well… IF I don't upgrade the
> suspension. Once I price replacements described, I will get a quote on an
> upgrade.
> >
> > That said, still wondering what my upgrade options are?
> >
> > Per 'stiffer shocks,' you're right, don't want that. I'm researching how
> to soften the ride for absorbing washboards and shocks to the suspension,
> maybe a spring that increases stiffness upon compression, like the off-road
> racers do. Though I still plan to go slowly and enjoy the view. :-)
> >
> >
> > Thanks Again!
> >
> > Eric
> > Eric Wunrow Pictures
> > 85 S Union Blvd, #Q123
> > Lakewood, CO 80228
> >
> > 303. 988. 8717
> > VW@EricWunrow.com
> >
> >
> > <image001.gif>
> >
> > On Nov 15, 2014, at 12:37 PM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
> wrote:
> >
> >
> > The Vanagon suspension generally holds up very well to abuse. The top
> > control bushings coming loose is a sign you have bushings that are
> bunched
> > up and seized. This is fairly common. Replacing them is the fix. As an
> > upgrade you can try the T3 Techniques bushings. I did have one fail after
> > short usage on Fun Bus and Chris did not hesitate to replace the set for
> me.
> > Unfortunately as the one failed down in Florida by the time I got home
> and
> > realized what happened the front pair of tires were destroyed.
> >
> > While stiffer shocks may seem like a solution they can make things worse.
> > They can heat up more and any abuse not taken by the tires, shocks, or
> > springs will just go to destroying the chassis or vehicle. The energy
> has to
> > go somewhere. The advantage of the fox shocks is the remote reservoir.
> >
> > Dennis
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
> Of
> > Eric Wunrow
> > Sent: Saturday, November 15, 2014 2:47 PM
> > To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> > Subject: Suspension for Off Roading
> >
> > Hello:
> >
> >
> > I thought about posting this on the Samba but you all seem a bit more
> civil.
> > and helpful.
> >
> >
> > We are traveling full-time in a 1984 Westy we bought just months before
> > leaving, and are about to end Month 16. Challenging, yes. and perhaps
> equal
> > parts commendable and committable. But we are in for the long haul.
> >
> > I have had four alignments done in 12K miles. At first I thought the
> > mechanics weren't torquing the right upper control arm enough, as it
> keeps
> > coming loose and knocking toe way out. last time it was over AN INCH out,
> > and now a few hundred miles later, it's out again and baking our new BFG
> > ATs. Ugh.
> >
> > The easiest solution seems to be replacing the control arm bolts, as I do
> > not think Loctite will solve it in the proper way. But, if the arms need
> to
> > come off anyway, and possibly new bushings are needed as well, what are
> my
> > options for upgrading the suspension for constant dirt travel? I saw a
> gray
> > panel Synchro at Buses by the Bridge in January with Fox shocks and it
> > looked like a great solution. I am willing to trade highway comfort for
> off
> > road softness before parts start flying off at will.
> >
> > We hope to keep our Bus forever, and though we are short of funds I do
> not
> > necessarily want a quick fix. We have to rely on this Thing (Ahem, sorry,
> > Bus) for a long time and may take it around the globe. So anything I can
> do
> > for the long-term good is of prime interest, and getting to remote
> places is
> > partly why we live in it.
> >
> > Also, if you know of anyone in So. Cal. or near Yuma capable of this work
> > (where we're wintering), I'm all ears. I found a cooperative tire store
> > owner in Pahrump who owns a few Vanagons, but have yet to ask if such an
> > upgrade is within his realm.
> >
> >
> > Thanks in Advance,
> >
> > Eric
> > Eric Wunrow Pictures
> > 85 S Union Blvd, #Q123
> > Lakewood, CO 80228
> >
> > 303. 988. 8717
> > VW@EricWunrow.com
> >
> >
>
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