Date:         Sat, 21 Nov 2015 20:06:59 -0500
Reply-To:     Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Gabriel Hijackers on an 84 Vanagon?
Comments: To: Michael McSwain <michaelmcswain@GMAIL.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <CAE_mVa1WU7wUuvNh0VY4aoF729ovKUDK6jmmi_dHwie1uWRmPg@mail.gmail.com>
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The difference in the rear shocks for the Syncro versus the 2WD is the length. The mounting bushing being too long are due to them being for a GM product and the length is the only reason they made it to the Syncro listing. Y can use a cut off wheel to trim the bushings down. Be carefull how much lift you put on these things. The shock mounts are not designed to carry weight and they won’t put up much of a fight before ripping off. Not a big deal on the trailing arm but replacing the top brackets take a little creativity. Also, be sure to control the lower travel limit with the longer shocks. The CV won't like being over extended and make sure the springs can’t pop out. 

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Michael McSwain
Sent: Saturday, November 21, 2015 5:14 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Gabriel Hijackers on an 84 Vanagon?

Recently purchased a set of Gabriel Hijackers for my 84. I saw various posts saying that they would fit a 2wd even though all the auto parts places say it fits synchro only. Well now I'm having trouble getting them to fit into the upper and lower mounting brackets on my van.  There's a steel sleeve that goes through the bushings. It doesn't seem to want to come out and it's a perfect fit for the mounting bolts. Problem is that it's too long to fit into the mounting brackets on the van. And even if it would come out, the resulting hole through the bushing would be too big for the mounting bolt.

Anybody have any experience with this?

--
m.