Date:         Thu, 13 Jul 2017 10:55:40 -0700
Reply-To:     Patrick Spragge <spraggepat@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Patrick Spragge <spraggepat@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Radius Rod Installation
Comments: To: Steven Shelton <shelton4@GMAIL.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <CACK29cmfhDYRpPhkQqBQiNr=A1PXCtW=VZ8C8MK=gpK+yGJxxA@mail.gmail.com>
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Instead of compressing the passenger spring with a spring compressor, maybe try loading weight onto the passenger seat until the rod lines up. Not sure how far you need to move the LCA but this method may work. You could "fine tune" with a ratchet strap.

Patrick Spragge

> On Jul 13, 2017, at 9:47 AM, Steven Shelton <shelton4@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> 
> I have this problem on Samba but it's already bumped way down.
> 
> I replaced all the front suspension bushings and ball joints on my 1985
> Westfalia. I tried to re-install the radius rods but neither side would
> line up with the threaded hole in the lower control arms (my radius rods
> are the newer type, threaded at both ends). Looking closely, they were both
> bent, so I bought new ones. I jacked up the lower control arm until the van
> lifted off the floor jacks and the driver's side radius rod bolted in, but

> the passenger's side still will not line up. The end is below the threaded

> hole on the LCA and can't be moved up any further because it just lifts the
> van. Do I need to use a spring compressor?