Date: Wed, 29 Dec 2021 18:17:43 -0500
Reply-To: Stephen Grisanti <bike2vcu@YAHOO.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Stephen Grisanti <bike2vcu@YAHOO.COM>
Subject: Re: Wallaced...and the next 20 years
In-Reply-To: <20211229152022.Horde.iULEH2KHGgVM-CrbSwM4gar@box5453.bluehost.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
Not so much a lift kit as a clearance kit. You turn the straight rear axle into a square wave rear axle, and don’t change the position of the rear wheels relative to the body. Several examples on Promaster forums.
Stephen
Mobile
> On Dec 29, 2021, at 5:20 PM, Rowan Tipton <rowan@dragonhome.org> wrote:
>
> Taking the rear axel, cutting off both ends,
> making a higher middle and welding the ends
> back on.
>
> r
>
> Quoting ddbjorkman@verizon.net:
>
>> With a lift kit in the rear?
>> Dave B.
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Rowan Tipton <rowan@DRAGONHOME.ORG>
>> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>> Sent: Tue, Dec 28, 2021 1:49 pm
>> Subject: Re: Wallaced...and the next 20 years
>>
>> Ram vans are a bit better. The worst part is the rear axel but that
>> is fixable if you weld.
>>
>> r
>>
>>
>> Quoting ddbjorkman@verizon.net:
>>
>>> Those Sprinter/Ram/Transit platforms do not have good ground
>>> clearance also.� Not only have i noticed that while having similar
>>> thoughts, but while at Boyd's Campground in Key Wes5t a Sprinter
>>> camper owner remarked to me that he had already knocked his
>>> generator exhaust pipe off and had other problems in campgrounds due
>>> to the lack of ground clearance.
>>> Dave B.the boston one
>>>
>>>
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: Pete O <pnoceanwesty@GMAIL.COM>
>>> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>>> Sent: Mon, Dec 27, 2021 8:52 am
>>> Subject: Re: Wallaced...and the next 20 years
>>>
>>> I'm 61 - will be 62 in May this year. We inherited our 1987 Titian Red
>>> Westy from my wifes' grandfather in 2002. Been diligent about upkeep and
>>> it's never let us down. Many of our Buses by the Beach friends have bailed
>>> out of the Vanagon business - sprinters, trailers or just giving up the
>>> camping life. We have looked around and not found anything that fits
>>> our needs and travel goals like the Vanagon Westy. At this point every
>>> major system has been upgraded and we are riding on 16" wheels, new shocks,
>>> struts, bushing, Schwenk Springs and such.� Starting a Bostig conversion
>>> this winter soon and will complete our package of new gas tank, fuel lines
>>> and pump, new coolant lines, new power steering lines, new radiator, SA
>>> Grill Kit with LED headlights and Truck Fridge powered by 100 AH lithium
>>> and a Renogy 200w panels.� Bostig means a brand new harness with OBD and
>>> modern diagnostics.� Our original 2.1 has 185K on it and keeps on trucking,
>>> but is getting tired and eats a half quart of oil for each fill up.� So, we
>>> are staying on the Vanagon path with a new heart for our bus, JoesVan.
>>> (Named after grandpa Joe)
>>>
>>> Have to say - this email list was the very interactions I had with the
>>> whole bus community and it has always provided great knowledge and
>>> camaraderie. . So many good Volks are gone now, but we continue on. It is
>>> always fun to meet a young newbie that "gets it" and is very excited about
>>> the "new" Vanagon!
>>>
>>>
>>> Pete Owsianowski
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> On Sun, Dec 26, 2021 at 6:23 PM Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net>
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>> � I've been a VW Van owner since 1974 ('70 Bus).� Upgraded to
>>>> 1985 Vanagon
>>>> in '89.� Always have loved the platform size...fits nicely into my garage,
>>>> and of course everywhere else.� Yes, am old enough to have enjoyed the
>>>> Wallaced Experience!
>>>>
>>>> Here's the thing:� I've been noticing that many shops are closing.� Many
>>>> sources are starting to dry up.� Mechanics that know what they are doing
>>>> are retiring.� With that in mind....I have been diligently keeping my
>>>> Vanagon totally up to snuff as best I can.� New Subie motor, new
>>>> transmission, new coolant system and associated components involved in
>>>> engine swap....getting ready for new front suspension stuff and brakes on
>>>> all 4 wheels.� Actually, those are the last two areas that need
>>>> attention.... I'd be ready at a moment's notice to travel anywhere in the
>>>> lower 48 tomorrow.
>>>> I'm 68.� In 20 years I'll be 88.� It will be time to let the
>>>> Vanagon go to
>>>> some younger buck....assuming any interest.
>>>>
>>>> Yes...I've looked into the Sprinter/Transit/Ram platforms and am handy
>>>> enough to turn any of these into a superb camper van....OK I guess...but
>>>> won't fit into my garage.� The money is no object.
>>>> Wondering if you guys, especially the elders like me, are having similar
>>>> thoughts and concerns?� How to keep Vanagon reliable and strong, no matter
>>>> where I travel in the USA?
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
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