Date: Mon, 19 Apr 2021 10:45:13 -0400
Reply-To: Jack R <jack007@COMCAST.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Jack R <jack007@COMCAST.NET>
Subject: Alignment Specs with 16" rims on my 84 Westy
In-Reply-To: <60786cd5.1c69fb81.3ef58.e248@mx.google.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
Do the alignment specs change, when running different wheel/tire sizes vs. OEM?
I'm running 215/55R-16, on Benz rims with 30 offset.
Also, have the rear spacers per T3 recommendations, so wheel spacing in front matches rear.
And the T3 1" front sway bar.
What are considered the optimal specs for an 84 Westy (pre-loaded 200lb driver 120lb passenger)?
I'm seeing the following:
Front:
Camber range -0.50 to 0.50
Caster range 7.0 to 7.5
Toe -.08 to 0.42
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/1638947.jpg
Thanks,
Jack
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Jack Reynaert
Sent: Thursday, April 15, 2021 12:42 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Need help in Wilmington Camber destroyed tire
Follow-up on outcome of this adventure!
And a big thanks for the input received from everyone…
Thanks to Karl’s suggestion, First thing Monday AM… I took my Van to Patterson Automotive, the owner / mechanic was very helpful. Lots of classic VW’s, a few Vanagons on his lot too.
He took a quick look at the right front upper control arm, and noticed that the bolt through the concentric washers appeared to not have been tightened properly. Everything else looked in order, including bushing and upper ball joint. So, he sent me to “Just Tires”, a shop that has experience in Vanagon alignments! These guys were great, and they were able to get things within specs, with the exception of Caster. You can see why I had a problem, if you can access this before/after alignment measurements. https://photos.app.goo.gl/dnN933YnKtQY4Ezd8
Is it possible to adjust the Caster? Is it important to do it?
I knew I needed to replace the right front tire, and figured probably a good idea to do the left front also. So, I ordered two tires from The Tire Rack, to match my 215/55R-16, Continental TrueContact Tour XL’s. Had them move the rears to the front, and place the new tires on the rear. Kept the one good one as an emergency spare. (same exact tire/size as my son’s 1999 E430).
I ordered a set of bushings and upper ball joints, and had them on hand should we had needed them. Now, I have a spare set, which I know I’ll likely need in the next 10 years or so.
Van drove like a dream on the trip from Delaware back to Michigan yesterday! I kept an average speed of 75mph, with my 4 speed and standard 2.1l from a 91 Syncro. At times I hit 82 mph. Climbing the on Pennsylvania was a challenge, with top speeds of 65 mph while climbing the steepest stretch. I was running regular 87 octane gas, and wondered if I would have done better with 91? Averaged about 16.5 mpg, with heavy head winds too. The T3 suspension updates I did with the 1” sway bar and the 16” Benz wheels (T3 Spacer in rear), made the van handle the cross winds exceptionally well. Still feel it, but much better control.
The only remaining issues are:
1. Shifter adjustment needed, difficult to get into 1st. A couple years ago, I changed all the bushings and got it close, but just needs a tweak. Likely a “Very Slight” adjustment again. Amazing on .2mm turn of the shaft can make all the difference.
2. The Brake Lights are out again! I’ve changed the two Brake Light Switches on the Master Cylinder a couple times… most recently 2 years ago. They are the “3-pole” switches. I checked all other connections, bulbs, blade connectors etc. No brake lights again. Any suggestions on the “best” switches to purchase? Other areas to trouble shoot?
Thanks again for everyone’s help!
Jack R.
1984 Westy “Wolfie”, with 2.1l from 91 Syncro.
207k miles, owned since 1987
Photo of my van… https://photos.app.goo.gl/hmcReefpomyiBKHp8
From: Karl Ploessl [mailto:karl.ploessl@gmail.com]
Sent: Saturday, April 10, 2021 5:17 PM
To: Jack Reynaert
Cc: vanagon@gerry. vanagon. com
Subject: Re: Need help in Wilmington Camber destroyed tire
I am using Patterson Automotive at 3428 Old Capitol Trail # A, Wilmington (302) 999-8700. Another one would be Buckleys's at https://www.buckleysautocare.com/about-us
(302) 907-9570 at 1604 E. Newport Pike, 19804. "Close by" in Philadelphia: Mayer's Vanagon Repair (215) 439-7122 4715 Decatur St Philadelphia, PA 19136. And there is vanagain https://www.vanagain.com/ in Jersey. Hit me up if you need anything else.
Best, Karl.
---
1981 Westy "Jenny"
2000 VW Jetta GLS VR6
2014 Honda Ridgeline RTL
Wilmington, DE
On Sat, Apr 10, 2021 at 4:23 PM Jack Reynaert <jack.reynaert@gmail.com> wrote:
Need to find a mechanic in Wilmington Delaware... Van not safe to drive
home.
The front wheel camber on my 84 Westy, will all new front bushings and ball
joints, is way out of whack. The shop in Pontiac Michigan which did my
alignment 2 years ago, must have had the camber or caster way off. The
inner side of my front tire on the right is worn to the steel belt.
I have 2 new tires on the way, but need to have the front alignment done
before I drive back on Wednesday.
Any good shops or suggestions welcome.
Jack R.
84 Westy
Home is N. Of Detroit
Thanks!!!
inside of
