Date: Sun, 28 Dec 2014 10:20:20 -0500
Reply-To: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: 15" Wheels
In-Reply-To: <CAE_mVa39k6vCts5Xj0cThR5yVru6KDYxDsab1gLnVu=EgSGSKA@mail.gmail.com>
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Unless your goal is a tall skinny truck tire if you are going through the
cost and effort of a wheel upgrade go straight to 16 or 17 inch. There is so
much more choice of performance type tires with adequate load capacities in
realistic sizes. My favorite for 2WD Vanagons is the 225/60-16XL or
225/55-17XL. At about 1" taller than stock it is perfect for giving just a
little more speed/RPM without robing acceleration and killing the effect of
the brakes. Even without the reinforced tires the standard load capacity
will be 97 or 98. The XL versions will be 101 or 102. For the 16 if you want
taller you can go to a 215/65-16 which for Syncros can still be worked into
the spare tire carrier. 235/60-16 or 235/55-17 will also work on the
Syncros, (rub on 2WD). You can use the 215/65-16 as a spare for those sizes.
I just did an 82 Diesel with the Vredestein QUATRAC 3, 225/60R16XL 102H
Along with Bilstein shocks, Syncro Org springs, and the T3 Poly suspension
bushings. Made for one very happy camper owner. The tires were picked for
winter capability along with the load capacity and all season performance.
For used wheels you do have to be careful. It is rare that you find a truly
straight set. Bring them to a tire shop and have them checked for run out
before putting tires on them. Also make sure the wheels have the required
capacity. 1900 pound capacity tires may not be that helpful on 1400 pound
capacity wheels. A main reason I like the AR95T wheels is the 2,200 pound
load rating.
Dennis
http://www.tires-easy.com/cgi-bin/rshop.pl?dsco=135&cart_id=26633988.135.271
3&Breite=225&Quer=60&Felge=16&Speed=&LoadRange=&kategorie=6&Marke=&ranzahl=4
&tyre_for=&x_tyre_for=&weiter=120&sort_by=preis&rsmFahrzeugart=ALL&search_to
ol=standard&Label=C-C-68-1&details=Ordern&typ=R-167796
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Michael McSwain
Sent: Saturday, December 27, 2014 2:04 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: 15" Wheels
Hey all,
I know there are a few mile long posts on the samba about this, but I always
end up feeling like I'm drowning in information over there.
Does anyone have any suggestions on a 15" wheel conversion that requires the
most minimal of modifications? I found 2 sets locally for $250 that I'm
thinking about getting but I'm not 100% sure if they'll fit or if I'll have
to go get spacers/long lugs etc. They came of of a '95 E320 and a '95 C280.
The look just like the ones Gowesty sells. I'm going to go back out and get
the wheels measurements off of them on Monday.
If I had the budget I'd just buy the gowesty kit and I'm trying to figure
out if I'll end up spending close to the same after buying all the necessary
accoutrements.
I'm not married to this style and I'm more concerned about handling and
performance than looks.
Thanks in advance.
Michael.
