Date:         Tue, 1 Aug 2017 15:21:45 -0400
Reply-To:     Ed <email99@BELLSOUTH.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Ed <email99@BELLSOUTH.NET>
Subject:      Re: What can go wrong..... (followup and short trip report)
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

I agree this is a good start.

Next would be effective shocks.  I've had originals, KYB Gas-A-Just,
Bilstein Heavy Duty, and Koni Red Heavy Track shocks.  I feel that the
Koni Heavy Track shocks are by far the best fit for handling and ride
comfort of the bunch.  You can adjust the rebound for spring control
without making the compression harsher.  Mine were best at full soft
initially and I've tightened it up 1 or 2 notches in the several years
since they were installed. As the shocks age they can be adjusted
compensate for reduced friction.  If they are too tight you will
experience "pump down" harshness but when adjusted correctly they are
very smooth.

The next thing to do for the suspension is add a rear sway bar (7/8")
AND a heaver front sway bar (1").

With this setup and 215/65r16 tires the handling and comfort is amazing.

This is with a 2wd 1986 full Westy with a 2.5L Subaru and 333,333 miles
(as of July 30, 2017 at 1 pm EDT.

Ed


On Tue, 1 Aug 2017 09:14:35 -0700, Toomey Douglas <drt@UOREGON.EDU>
wrote:

>It’s an 87, 2wd westy.  16” wheels with 215/60/16 tires.  New upper
and lower bushings last year.  Tire pressure up front is 5 less than
rear, but cannot recall exact number here at work (but in correct range)
>