Date: Sun, 16 Nov 2014 13:04:19 -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: <BAY405-EAS6167169F424935FA19F834A08A0@phx.gbl>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
Yep.
I know VW recommended 36 front, 48 rear in 1984 — but tires really sucked back then. I've played with pressures our entire trip, and for me I'm now running the max. recommended pressure to make a tank handle like a car… 65 front on BFG 195/75 14s, 50 rear on BFG 27x8.5s. The thing actually turns now (!), and mileage increased maybe 10%, or so it seems.
When the right upper control arm came loose again and cupped the inside of my right front, I rotated them upon alignment in the hopes of wearing the cups down (Good Luck!). So now my larger 27x8.5s are on the front and it's back to handling like a tank. They'll be rotated back once we solve the control arm issue.
When these tires are toast I'm going for 16-inch wheels, and am likely to run max. pressure on whatever rubber I buy. While some may see that as hazardous, I do not, because whatever a manufacturer seems as max is likely to be well below the danger zone. Corporate lawyers would make sure of this.
Eric
Eric Wunrow Pictures
85 S Union Blvd, #Q123
Lakewood, CO 80228
303. 988. 8717
VW@EricWunrow.com
On Nov 16, 2014, at 7:26 AM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM> wrote:
> Off roaders will air down the tires to improve traction and reduce sinking on soft dirt, mud, and sand. As the pressure is lowered the contact patch increases. They will often air down low enough that the sidewalls can also provide a floatation effect, 12-16psi is common. The down side of this is an increased chance of rolling the bead off the rim and having a tire completely air out and hitting any type of sharp object can damage a tire internally. Note this approach is for low speed operation.
>
> You didn't say what tire you are using, size or type, If using a regular passenger tire you reach full capacity at ~35 psi. Above that you are going for handling or reduced rolling resistance.
>
> Dennis
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Stan Shapiro
> Sent: Sunday, November 16, 2014 10:14 AM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: Suspension for Off Roading
>
> Another question on suspension. I have a 90 Westy, 16 in wheels, Michelin tires, and Bilstein shocks from GoWesty. It is terrible on washboard roads. I notice the 4 wheelers let air out of their tires before going off road. Does anyone have any experience in letting a small amount of air out for a washboard road?? If so, how much do you let out? Do you carry a 12 volt compressor to refill?
>
> Thanks
> Stan
> Idaho
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Chris S.
> Sent: Saturday, November 15, 2014 2:58 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: Suspension for Off Roading
>
> See Burley Motorsports' custom upper control arms that eliminate the finicky bushings. Also, for a good off road ride you may consider progressive long travel springs. I have Schwenk springs on my Syncro and they are wonderful.
>
> Chris.
>
> Wysłane z iPhone'a
>
> Dnia Nov 15, 2014 o godz. 14:47 Eric Wunrow <VW@ERICWUNROW.COM> napisał(a):
>
>> 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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