Date: Mon, 17 Nov 2014 08:44:59 -0800
Reply-To: Eric Wunrow <VW@ERICWUNROW.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Eric Wunrow <VW@ERICWUNROW.COM>
Subject: Re: Suspension for Off Roading
In-Reply-To: <CAFdLW6nAM+MA=T8w8fE_s_dVUZSHQw65nybki9fiYXDPvrRMQg@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252
Thanks Dan, I love the 27x8.5s but could only get two in the BFG ATs… my only other option in an off-road tire at that size I could find was a General, I think, and they didn't strike me as a great tire… just a gut feeling, I guess.
While I'd love to stick with the 14s, that 27x8.5 size doesn't have many tire options available and that alone has me thinking of 15- or 16-inch wheels when these are worn out.
Eric
Eric Wunrow Pictures
85 S Union Blvd, #Q123
Lakewood, CO 80228
303. 988. 8717
VW@EricWunrow.com
On Nov 17, 2014, at 8:15 AM, Dan N <dn92610@gmail.com> wrote:
> 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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